A severe disruption crippled operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi yesterday as powerful dust storms and high winds brought widespread travel chaos. Hundreds of passengers faced significant delays and disruptions to their journeys.
At least 205 flights were delayed, and a further 50 were diverted from their intended destinations. The average delay reported was approximately one hour, though many experienced far longer wait times.
“Following the passage of the dust storm, numerous flights were rerouted or cancelled, leading to considerable inconvenience for passengers awaiting their departures,” explained an airport official to ANI news agency. “The redirected aircrafts’ delayed return to Delhi contributed to a surge in passenger volume at the airport.”
Airlines like Air India and IndiGo issued advisories acknowledging the situation, but frustrated passengers documented their experiences online.
- One Air India passenger recounted: “We had a connecting flight from Srinagar to Delhi to Mumbai scheduled for 4 pm. Our flight was diverted to Chandigarh due to the dust storm and eventually flown back to Delhi around 11 pm. We were then placed on another flight to Mumbai, sat in that aircraft for four hours, only to be deboarded again and sent through security once more. It’s now 8 am, and we are still stranded at the airport; our flight hasn’t departed yet.”
- A 75-year-old passenger, confined to a wheelchair, added: “We have been stranded for over twelve hours. We couldn’t land in Delhi because of the storm but have been waiting here since 11 pm.”
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with complaints and expressions of frustration.
— Ärvind Lal (@lalarvi) April 12, 2025
One user posted a picture of stranded passengers alongside the caption: “Most mismanaged, misinformed world-class international airport in New Delhi… Worse than a bus stand.”
- Another passenger wrote on X regarding an IndiGo flight: “@IndiGo6E are you taking the passengers for granted?? People are already 6hrs late for this.”
- A further complaint stated: “You have boarded them on time and made them sit for two hours. Disgusting… as per rule, you are supposed to provide refreshments if a flight is delayed for more than two hours.”
One flier lamented, “Stranded in Delhi Airport for more than 14 hours… #AirIndia you have zero accountability and commitment towards your passengers.”
Air India acknowledged the disruptions with an advisory stating that flights to and from Delhi were experiencing delays or diversions due to the thunderstorm.
“Poor weather, caused by heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds, has affected flight operations across parts of Northern India. Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted… We are closely monitoring the situation.”
IndiGo and SpiceJet also reported impacts on their schedules due to the adverse weather conditions.
The airport itself issued an advisory urging passengers to contact their airlines for updates. The advisory stated, “Due to inclement weather conditions in Delhi, some of the flights at Delhi airport are impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.”
Beyond the Airport
The dust storm wasn’t limited to affecting air travel; it also caused widespread disruption across Delhi and surrounding areas. Branches of trees fell onto roads and cars, impacting power supply in several regions including Narela, Bawana, Badli, and Mangolpuri.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange” alert for thunderstorms and lightning throughout the day, indicating a significant risk of severe weather.
