Delhi, known for its bustling airport and, unfortunately, its persistent struggle with air quality, faced a different challenge this week as weather conditions took a toll on flight operations. On Monday evening, the capital experienced a respite from the suffocating smog as light rain and thunderstorms graced the city. However, this relief came at the cost of disrupted flight schedules at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Airport officials confirmed that adverse weather conditions between 6 to 8 pm prompted the diversion of 16 Delhi-bound flights. Ten flights were redirected to Jaipur, three to Lucknow, two to Amritsar, and one to Ahmedabad. This sudden change affected the plans of numerous passengers, prompting several airlines to proactively inform travelers about potential delays.
IndiGo Airlines, among others, issued a “travel advisory,” notifying passengers about the impact of heavy rain on flight operations in Delhi. The airline took to social media, advising passengers to keep track of their flight statuses and offering assistance through direct messaging. SpiceJet, too, cautioned its passengers about potential disruptions, citing congestion at Delhi’s air traffic control due to inclement weather.
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast for Tuesday hinted at a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of shallow to moderate fog in the morning. Despite the inconvenience caused on Monday, Delhi residents can anticipate clearer skies as the week progresses. The anticipated maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 25 degrees Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The interplay between weather conditions and flight operations often poses challenges for both travelers and airlines. While the rain brought a brief respite from the persistent air quality issues in Delhi, it simultaneously led to the temporary disruption of airport activities, underscoring the delicate balance between nature’s patterns and human endeavors.
Passengers scheduled to fly in and out of Delhi in the coming days are advised to stay updated with their respective airlines for any potential impact on their travel plans. The airport authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and minimize further disruptions as the city anticipates clearer skies in the days ahead.
Sources By Agencies
