Heavy Rain Causes Major Flight Delays in Delhi
NEW DELHI : Heavy rainfall in Delhi and nearby areas on Saturday morning disrupted air travel and road movement. The downpour led to waterlogging in several parts of the capital, causing massive traffic jams and forcing airlines to issue travel advisories for passengers.
According to data from flight tracking website Flightradar, 135 flights to and from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport were delayed in the morning. By 8:20 am, 120 departures from Delhi faced delays, while 15 incoming flights were also affected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain in the capital throughout the day, raising concerns over further disruptions. Commuters were urged to plan travel in advance and stay updated on weather and traffic conditions.
Airlines Urge Passengers to Plan Ahead
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, issued an advisory asking travellers to leave for the airport early and consider alternate routes.
Travel Advisory
🚧⛈️Heads up, #Delhi travellers!
Due to today’s downpour, several roads across Delhi are currently blocked or experiencing slow movement.
Please allow extra time, take an alternate route if possible, and check your flight status on our website or app before…
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 9, 2025
“Due to today’s downpour, several roads across Delhi are blocked or moving slowly. Please allow extra time, take an alternate route if possible, and check your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport,” the airline said.
SpiceJet also warned passengers about potential delays due to weather conditions, advising them to monitor flight status before departure.
Other airlines are expected to follow suit as poor weather conditions persist and passenger congestion at terminals grows.
Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos in the Capital
Many parts of Delhi, including key arterial roads, experienced heavy waterlogging that slowed down traffic to a crawl. Areas near airport access roads were particularly affected, with vehicles stuck for long durations.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued multiple alerts through social media, warning of congestion and suggesting alternate routes. Despite these efforts, heavy jams persisted in several zones.
Morning commuters faced significant delays, with public transport also struggling to maintain schedules. Bus routes were diverted in some flooded areas to ensure safety.
Outlook for the Rest of the Day
The IMD’s forecast indicates moderate to heavy rain continuing over the weekend. If the weather conditions persist, both flight schedules and road travel are likely to face extended disruptions.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel during peak hours and to use public transport where possible. Airlines are advising passengers to check real-time updates on official websites and apps before heading to the airport.
For now, travellers are advised to keep a buffer time of at least two to three hours to navigate through traffic and potential security check delays at the airport.