Key Takeaways
• Heavy rains on July 7, 2025 caused waterlogging and flight delays at Delhi Airport, especially affecting IndiGo passengers.
• Runway 10/28 is closed until September 15, 2025 for CAT III upgrades, causing 114 daily flight cancellations and delays.
• Travelers should check flight status, allow extra time, use public transport, and monitor weather updates to minimize inconvenience.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Flight Delays and Disruptions at Delhi Airport: What IndiGo Passengers Need to Know
On July 7, 2025, heavy rainfall swept across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to widespread waterlogging, slow-moving traffic, and significant disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Both IndiGo and Delhi Airport issued urgent advisories for travelers, warning of flight delays, airside congestion, and challenging road conditions. These disruptions come at a time when Delhi Airport is already operating with one of its four runways closed for major upgrades, further complicating travel for thousands of passengers.
This report explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what steps travelers—especially those flying with IndiGo—should take to minimize inconvenience. We’ll also look at the broader context, including ongoing runway maintenance, and what these disruptions mean for different groups of travelers.
What Happened: Rain, Waterlogging, and Flight Delays
Early on Monday, July 7, 2025, heavy rain hit Delhi and the NCR, causing water to collect on many main roads, including those leading to IGI Airport. This led to slow traffic, making it harder for passengers to reach the airport on time. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for all districts of Delhi, warning of continued rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through at least midweek.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, quickly released an advisory. The airline said that due to air traffic congestion caused by the weather, “some flights are currently being held.” IndiGo urged passengers to allow extra travel time, check their flight status before leaving home, and be ready for possible delays in departures, arrivals, and ground handling.
Delhi Airport also issued a statement, recommending that travelers use the Delhi Metro or other public transport to avoid road congestion. Passengers were advised to monitor their flight status using airline websites or apps and to stay updated with IMD weather alerts and local traffic reports.
How Bad Are the Delays?
While most flights are still operating, minor to moderate delays are being reported. Some flights are being held on the ground due to airside congestion. According to recent data, the average delay for departures has exceeded 30 minutes during peak rainfall events. This means that if you are flying out of Delhi, especially with IndiGo, you should expect your flight to be delayed by at least half an hour, and possibly longer if the weather worsens.
The areas most affected by waterlogging include roads near Terminal 1, Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and the road leading to Terminal 3. These are key access points for travelers, and the waterlogging has caused traffic jams and made it difficult for taxis and private cars to reach the terminals.
Why Is This Happening Now? The Double Impact of Weather and Runway Closure
The current disruptions are not just because of the rain. Delhi Airport is also dealing with a major runway closure. From June 15 to September 15, 2025, Runway 10/28 is closed for a big upgrade to CAT III compliance. CAT III is a system that helps planes land safely in low-visibility conditions, such as fog. This upgrade is essential for safe winter operations, but it means the airport is running with only three out of four runways.
Because of the runway closure:
– About 114 flights (7.5% of daily operations) are being cancelled every day.
– Another 86 flights are being rescheduled each day.
– Both arrivals and departures are affected, but the impact is greatest during peak travel hours and for domestic flights.
Airlines and airport authorities have tried to coordinate in advance to avoid chaos, but with the added pressure of bad weather, delays and cancellations have become more common.
What Should Passengers Do? Practical Steps for Travelers
If you are flying from or to Delhi Airport, especially with IndiGo, here’s what you need to do to reduce stress and avoid missing your flight:
1. Check Your Flight Status Frequently
– Use the official IndiGo website (www.goindigo.in) or the airline’s mobile app to check real-time updates on your flight.
– You can also check the Delhi Airport website (www.newdelhiairport.in) for airport-wide updates.
2. Allow Extra Travel Time
– Because of waterlogging and traffic jams, it may take much longer than usual to reach the airport.
– Plan to leave home much earlier than you normally would.
3. Use Public Transport
– The Delhi Metro is less affected by road flooding and traffic. If possible, use the Metro to get to the airport.
– If you must use a taxi or private car, check local traffic reports and be ready for delays.
4. Monitor Weather and Traffic Alerts
– The IMD website (www.imd.gov.in) provides up-to-date weather warnings.
– Listen to local news or use traffic apps to stay informed about road conditions.
5. Stay in Contact with Airline Staff
– If your flight is delayed or held, talk to IndiGo staff at the airport or use the airline’s helpline for updates.
– If your flight is cancelled due to the runway closure, IndiGo should provide advance notice and offer options for rebooking or refunds.
6. Prepare for Longer Waits
– Bring snacks, water, and something to do while waiting at the airport.
– If you have special needs or are traveling with children, ask airport staff for help if you need it.
Who Is Most Affected?
The current situation affects different groups in different ways:
Domestic Travelers:
Most of the cancelled and rescheduled flights are domestic. If you have a connecting flight or need to reach another city in India, check your itinerary carefully and be prepared for changes.
International Travelers:
While international flights are less affected by the runway closure, they can still face delays due to airside congestion and weather. If you have a tight connection, contact your airline for advice.
Passengers with Special Needs:
People with disabilities, elderly travelers, and families with young children may face extra challenges during long waits or if they need to change terminals. Airport staff can help, but it’s a good idea to let the airline know in advance if you need assistance.
Business Travelers:
If you have urgent meetings or tight schedules, consider booking flexible tickets or alternative routes. Travel experts recommend allowing extra time for all appointments.
What Are the Authorities Doing?
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates IGI Airport, is working with airlines like IndiGo to keep passengers informed and reduce inconvenience. They have increased staff at help desks and are updating information boards more often.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is monitoring the situation and may issue further advisories if the weather gets worse or if more disruptions are expected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to provide weather alerts and forecasts, helping airlines and airport authorities plan ahead.
Why Is the Runway Upgrade Important?
The runway upgrade is not just a routine repair. Runway 10/28 is being upgraded to CAT III compliance, which means it will be able to handle landings in very low visibility, such as during heavy fog in winter. This is important for safety and for keeping flights running smoothly during the fog season, which often causes major delays in Delhi.
While the upgrade is causing short-term pain, it should lead to fewer delays and cancellations in the future, especially during winter.
How Are Airlines and Airports Communicating with Passengers?
Both IndiGo and Delhi Airport are using multiple channels to keep passengers informed:
– Websites and Mobile Apps: Real-time flight status, advisories, and updates.
– Social Media: Quick updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
– Airport Announcements: Regular announcements in terminals.
– Help Desks: Extra staff at information counters to answer questions.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, clear and timely communication is one of the most important ways to reduce passenger frustration during disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to use these resources and not rely only on third-party travel apps or hearsay.
What Are Experts and Advocacy Groups Saying?
Travel experts say that advance planning and real-time communication are key to minimizing inconvenience. They recommend that passengers with tight connections or urgent travel needs consider alternative routes or flexible booking options during the monsoon and runway closure period.
Passenger advocacy groups have called for even clearer communication and better contingency planning, especially for vulnerable travelers and those with special needs. They urge airlines and airports to provide more support for people who may have trouble with long waits or sudden changes in plans.
What’s Next? The Outlook for the Coming Days
The IMD forecasts that rain and related disruptions will continue through the week, with gradual improvement expected by Sunday. The yellow alert remains in place for all districts of Delhi, so travelers should stay alert for further updates.
The runway upgrade is scheduled to finish by September 15, 2025. After that, normal flight operations should resume, and the rate of cancellations and rescheduling should drop.
Authorities are watching the situation closely and may issue more advisories or make changes to operations if the weather worsens or if there are more disruptions.
Summary Table: Key Facts as of July 7, 2025
| Issue | Current Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall Impact | Waterlogging, traffic delays, minor to moderate flight delays, some flights held |
| IndiGo Advisory | Allow extra travel time, check flight status, expect delays, some flights held |
| Delhi Airport Advisory | Use Metro/public transport, monitor flight status, expect minor delays |
| IMD Alert | Yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds through midweek |
| Runway Closure | Runway 10/28 closed June 15–Sept 15; 114 flights cancelled, 86 rescheduled daily |
| Affected Flights | ~7.5% of daily operations cancelled, additional rescheduling during closure |
| Passenger Guidance | Plan ahead, check updates, use public transport, allow buffer time |
| Official Contacts | Delhi Airport, IndiGo, IMD websites and helplines |
Official Resources for Passengers
For the latest and most accurate information, travelers should use these official resources:
– Delhi Airport: www.newdelhiairport.in
– IndiGo: www.goindigo.in
– India Meteorological Department (IMD): www.imd.gov.in
For broader information on air travel regulations and passenger rights in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation provides updates and resources at https://www.civilaviation.gov.in.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers
- Always check your flight status before leaving home.
- Leave early and use public transport if possible.
- Stay updated with weather and traffic alerts.
- Contact your airline for help if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
- Be patient and prepared for longer waits at the airport.
By following these steps, travelers can reduce the stress of flying during this challenging period. While the combination of heavy rain and runway maintenance is causing real problems, clear communication and careful planning can help everyone get to their destination safely.
Remember, these disruptions are temporary. Once the runway upgrade is complete and the monsoon season passes, flight operations at Delhi Airport should return to normal, making travel smoother for everyone.
Learn Today
Runway Closure → Temporary shutting of an airport runway for maintenance or upgrades affecting flight operations.
CAT III Compliance → A system enabling planes to land safely in very low visibility conditions like fog.
Airside Congestion → Crowding of aircraft and vehicles on airport runways and taxiways causing delays.
Waterlogging → Accumulation of excess water on roads or grounds causing traffic delays and hazards.
Yellow Alert → Weather warning issued by meteorological authorities indicating potentially hazardous conditions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Heavy rain and a major runway closure at Delhi Airport are causing significant flight delays and cancellations, impacting IndiGo travelers. Passengers must plan carefully, check updates, and use public transport to reduce disruption. The CAT III upgrade aims to improve future safety and efficiency despite current challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
