New Delhi – More than 350 flights were delayed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday after heavy morning rainfall brought the National Capital Region (NCR) to a near standstill, leading to widespread traffic jams and waterlogging. The disruption impacted both passengers and flight crew, with many struggling to reach the airport on time.
Among the delayed flights was a Delhi to Bagdogra service, which was held back after a crew member failed to reach the airport due to traffic congestion. The flight eventually departed in the evening. “A flight crew member got stuck in traffic. This was the only instance of a flight being delayed due to staff. In other cases, delays were primarily caused by the weather,” an airline official said.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded at least 377 flight delays by 6pm, with an average delay of 32 minutes. Even hours after the rain had stopped, gridlock on major roads continued to choke access routes to the airport. Several passengers missed their flights entirely.
Passengers took to social media to voice their frustration. One commuter, Arun, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “3 hours for 2 km at Delhi Airport. Missed my domestic flight. @DelhiPolice — this isn’t traffic management, it’s a masterclass in incompetence. #DelhiAirport.”
Another user, Dheeraj Gaur, described the congestion in Delhi Cantonment, saying, “The entire Thimayya Marg and traffic signal outside Airforce Station Palam is choked. People are walking with luggage in their hands to reach the airport.”
Others shared similar experiences, with reports of vehicles stranded for hours and traffic police missing in action. One commuter, posting at 1:04 pm, said, “I’ve been stuck at Palam Airport Road near Krishan temple for the last two hours. Delhi Traffic Police personnel are nowhere to be seen. It’s total chaos here — vehicles are moving left, right and centre. One person was driving on the wrong side, too.”
The rainfall also led to waterlogging across various parts of the city, including major roads near AIIMS and Ring Road, further compounding delays.
In response, Delhi Airport authorities issued advisories urging passengers to avoid road transport and opt for the Metro. “Heavy rainfall and waterlogging across the Delhi-National Capital Region since morning led to traffic jams on roads to and from the Delhi airport. Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure smooth journeys for passengers,” the airport’s post on X stated.
Officials recommended using the Magenta Line, which connects to Terminal 1, and the Airport Express Line (Orange Line), which serves Terminal 3, for more reliable access.
With the monsoon still active and urban infrastructure under pressure, Thursday’s disruption has renewed concerns about the capital’s readiness to handle extreme weather events — especially in transit-critical zones like the airport.
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