Key Takeaways
• Indira Gandhi International Airport faces heavy flight delays due to monsoon rain and a runway closure from June 15 to September 15, 2025.
• 114 flights are canceled daily, with 86 rescheduled during runway upgrades to CAT III B ILS system for winter fog safety.
• Indian Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rain and thunderstorms through mid-July; passengers advised to check flight status frequently.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the busiest in India, is facing major disruptions as heavy monsoon rainfall, thunderstorms, and a key runway closure have caused widespread flight delays, cancellations, and diversions. The situation, which began in early June and has worsened with the arrival of the monsoon, is affecting thousands of travelers and putting pressure on airport operations, airlines, and government agencies to manage the crisis and keep passengers safe.
Severe Monsoon Rainfall and Its Immediate Impact
On July 9 and 10, 2025, Delhi experienced its first major monsoon downpour of the season. Najafgarh, a suburb near The airport, recorded 105.5 mm of rain, while the Palam observatory at Indira Gandhi International Airport measured 60 mm—the highest daily rainfall so far this season. This intense weather led to six flights being diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow, with many more delayed or canceled. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued yellow alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, warning that these conditions would likely continue through mid-July.
The airport’s operations have been hit hard. On July 7, heavy rain and thunderstorms caused more delays, prompting airlines like IndiGo to issue advisories. Passengers were told to use alternative transport, such as the Delhi Metro, to reach the airport because waterlogging and traffic jams made road travel slow and unpredictable.
The problems did not start in July. In June, several severe weather events caused repeated disruptions. On June 17, 14 flights were diverted to cities like Bhopal, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, and Lucknow. Over 400 flights were delayed, and some were canceled. Earlier, on June 1, another 14 flights were diverted, and more than 350 flights faced delays. On May 25, a particularly strong storm forced 49 flights—including 17 international ones—to divert between 11:30 pm and 4 am.
Runway Closure Adds to the Strain
The airport’s troubles have been made worse by the closure of Runway 10/28 for a major upgrade. From June 15 to September 15, 2025, this runway is closed so that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) can be upgraded to CAT III B standards. This upgrade is meant to help the airport handle thick winter fog, which often causes even more delays than the monsoon. However, the timing of the closure, right in the middle of the rainy season, has put extra strain on the airport’s ability to manage flights.
With one of its main runways out of action, Indira Gandhi International Airport is operating at reduced capacity. Normally, the airport handles about 1,450 aircraft movements per day. The runway closure has forced the cancellation of 114 flights each day and the rescheduling of another 86, affecting both domestic and international routes. With only three runways in use, the airport has less flexibility to absorb the impact of bad weather, making every thunderstorm or heavy rain event more likely to cause cascading delays and diversions.
The ILS upgrade is scheduled for completion by November 27, 2025, just before the winter fog season begins. Airport officials say this work is essential for long-term safety and efficiency, but they acknowledge the short-term inconvenience for passengers.
Official Advisories and Responses
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which manages the airport, has issued several advisories urging passengers to check their flight status regularly, arrive early, and stay in touch with their airlines for updates. On-ground teams are working with airlines and government agencies to manage the disruptions and help passengers.
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have also issued advisories. They have held flights on the ground during severe weather, diverted flights as needed, and reworked schedules to cope with the ongoing challenges. Airlines are proactively informing passengers about cancellations or rescheduling and are required to offer alternatives or compensation according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines.
The Indian Meteorological Department continues to issue real-time weather alerts and forecasts, warning of further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days. The IMD has advised travelers to avoid open areas and unstable structures during severe weather and to follow official advisories closely.
Quantitative Data: The Scale of Disruption
The numbers show just how serious the situation is:
- Rainfall: Up to 105.5 mm in Najafgarh, 60 mm at the airport’s Palam observatory, and 40 mm at Safdarjung in July so far (the monthly normal is 195.8 mm).
- Flight Disruptions:
- 49 flights diverted in a single night (May 25).
- 14 flights diverted on both June 1 and June 17, with over 350–400 flights delayed each time.
- 6 flights diverted on July 9, with many more delayed.
- 114 daily cancellations and 86 reschedulings due to the runway closure (June 15–September 15).
Step-by-Step Guidance for Passengers
For travelers using Indira Gandhi International Airport during this period, the following steps can help minimize inconvenience:
- Check Flight Status Frequently: Use airline websites, apps, or the airport’s official site to get the latest updates, especially within 24 hours of your flight.
- Arrive Early: Allow extra time for check-in and security, as queues may be longer due to rescheduling and congestion.
- Use Reliable Transport: Consider using the Delhi Metro or other dependable means to reach the airport, as road traffic may be affected by waterlogging.
- Stay Informed: Follow advisories from DIAL, the IMD, and airlines. Subscribe to airline SMS or email alerts for real-time updates.
- Rescheduling or Cancellation: If your flight is canceled or rescheduled, contact your airline immediately for rebooking or refunds. Airlines must offer alternatives or compensation as per DGCA rules.
- Safety Precautions: Follow IMD and airport advisories about thunderstorms and lightning. Avoid open areas and unstable structures during severe weather.
For official updates, travelers can visit the Delhi International Airport website or check the Indian Meteorological Department for weather alerts.
Voices from the Ground: Stakeholder Statements
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, has stressed that the runway upgrade is necessary for long-term safety and efficiency. He acknowledges that the timing is unfortunate for passengers but says the work could not be delayed further if the airport is to be ready for the winter fog season.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has held meetings with airlines, the DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to coordinate disruption management and minimize the impact on passengers during the runway closure. The minister has emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to keep passengers safe and informed.
The IMD continues to provide real-time weather alerts, warning of more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the combination of weather and infrastructure work has created a “perfect storm” of challenges for the airport, airlines, and travelers.
Background: Why Monsoon and Fog Matter
Delhi’s airport faces operational challenges every year during the monsoon. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning can reduce visibility and create unsafe landing conditions. In the winter, thick fog often causes even more severe disruptions, grounding flights for hours or even days.
The current ILS upgrade is designed to help the airport handle low-visibility conditions during the winter fog season. Once complete, the upgraded system will allow aircraft to land safely even when visibility is very poor, reducing the risk of delays and diversions.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
In the short term, passengers face a higher risk of delays, cancellations, and diversions, especially during peak monsoon hours and at night. Domestic routes are particularly affected because they have more frequent flights and less buffer capacity.
In the long term, the runway upgrade will make the airport more resilient to both monsoon and winter weather. This should mean fewer disruptions in the future, especially during the foggy winter months.
However, with only three runways in use during the upgrade, the airport’s ability to absorb weather-related disruptions is limited. Each adverse weather event has a bigger impact, leading to more delays and diversions.
Multiple Perspectives: What Experts and Advocates Say
Aviation experts agree that infrastructure upgrades like the ILS improvement are essential for long-term stability. They note that the timing during the monsoon was unavoidable because of earlier delays and the need to finish the work before winter.
Passenger advocacy groups are calling on airlines and airport authorities to improve communication and compensation processes. International travelers, in particular, face problems with missed connections and long delays, and advocates say more needs to be done to help them.
Government officials highlight the collaborative approach between DIAL, airlines, and regulatory agencies. They say this teamwork is helping to minimize disruption and keep passengers safe, even as the airport faces one of its toughest operational periods in years.
What’s Next: Future Outlook
The IMD forecasts continued moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning through at least July 16, with the most intense activity expected at night. Passengers should expect ongoing disruptions through mid-September, when Runway 10/28 is scheduled to reopen. The full ILS upgrade is set for completion by November 27, 2025.
Once the upgrades are finished, Indira Gandhi International Airport will be better equipped to handle both monsoon and winter weather. This should mean fewer delays and diversions in the future, making travel smoother for everyone.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Monitor Your Flight: Always check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Plan for Delays: Bring snacks, water, and entertainment, especially if traveling with children or elderly family members.
- Stay Connected: Make sure your phone is charged and you have access to airline apps or websites.
- Know Your Rights: If your flight is canceled or delayed, ask your airline about rebooking, refunds, or compensation. The DGCA has clear rules about what airlines must provide.
- Use Official Channels: For the latest information, use the airport’s official website or your airline’s customer service.
Official Resources
- Delhi International Airport (DIAL): www.newdelhiairport.in
- Indian Meteorological Department (IMD): www.imd.gov.in
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): www.dgca.gov.in
- Airlines: Use official airline websites and customer service for real-time updates.
Conclusion: What Travelers Should Do Now
Indira Gandhi International Airport is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. The combination of heavy monsoon rainfall, thunderstorms, and a major runway closure has led to widespread flight delays, cancellations, and diversions. Passengers should expect continued disruptions through at least mid-September, with the situation likely to improve only after the runway reopens and weather conditions stabilize.
Travelers are strongly advised to monitor official channels closely, plan for possible delays, and stay in touch with their airlines. While the current situation is difficult, the ongoing upgrades will make the airport safer and more reliable in the long run. By following official guidance and preparing for contingencies, passengers can reduce stress and stay safe during this challenging period.
For more information and real-time updates, visit the Delhi International Airport official website.
Learn Today
Indira Gandhi International Airport → Delhi’s main and busiest airport facing capacity and weather challenges during the monsoon season and upgrades.
Monsoon Rainfall → Seasonal heavy rains in India causing widespread flight disruptions and operational difficulties at the airport.
Instrument Landing System (ILS) → A navigation aid upgraded to CAT III B to enable safer landings in low-visibility conditions.
Runway Closure → Temporary shutdown of a runway for upgrades that reduces airport capacity and increases flight delays.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → Indian regulatory agency overseeing airline operations, passenger rights, and compensation rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport struggles with severe monsoon rains and a runway closure causing massive flight delays, diversions, and cancellations. Upgrading the instrument landing system will improve future safety but adds short-term challenges. Travelers must monitor flights closely and use reliable transport amidst ongoing disruptions until September 15, 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
