15 Delhi-bound flights diverted amid heavy rain, thunderstorms; IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet issue advisories

On Monday, at least 15 Delhi-bound flights, including three international services, were diverted due to heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting Indira Gandhi International Airport operations, as reported by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). Of the 15 diverted flights, 12 were rerouted to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh, and one to Lucknow, with three of the Jaipur-bound flights being international.

The severe weather conditions led to waterlogging and traffic congestion in the city, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red and yellow alerts for heavy and moderate rain, respectively. Thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30-40 kmph were also expected in parts of Delhi.

Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, issued advisories to passengers, warning that adverse weather could disrupt flight schedules and advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. IndiGo specifically cited bad weather over Delhi as the reason for affected flight schedules, urging passengers to allow additional time due to slower road conditions.

SpiceJet and Air India also advised travelers to check their flight status and warned of potential disruptions to departures, arrivals, and subsequent flights.

Despite the rain, conditions were expected to improve on Tuesday, with little or no rain forecast for most of the remainder of the week. However, very light rain was possible in the afternoon on Tuesday, with another spell of light to moderate rain forecast from Wednesday afternoon to evening. From Thursday through Sunday, Delhi would experience partly cloudy skies with no rain forecast.