Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 5: Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Friday afternoon, causing waterlogging at Indira Gandhi International Airport and disrupting flight operations, while severe traffic congestion on roads leading to the airport added to passengers’ woes.
Water accumulated in the forecourt and subway areas of two airport terminals, forcing passengers and staff to wade through knee-deep water in some stretches. Airport personnel took more than 45 minutes to clear the affected areas.
Eleven incoming flights, including an international cargo flight, were diverted to Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh due to the adverse weather conditions.
Several flights were diverted to Lucknow, including Air India services from Ludhiana, Indore and Hyderabad, along with an Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru. Flights from Srinagar, Purnea, Bengaluru, Pune and Ranchi were diverted to Jaipur.
An SF Airlines cargo flight from Ezhou in China was diverted to Ahmedabad, while an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad was diverted to Chandigarh.
Hundreds of flights were also delayed, with disruptions ranging from a few minutes to more than 90 minutes. Traffic congestion on roads leading to the airport further raised concerns among passengers about missing their flights.
Videos shared on social media showed passengers and airport staff rolling up their trousers and walking through waterlogged areas. Several flyers expressed frustration over the flooding at the capital’s airport.
Delhi airport authorities said heavy rainfall had resulted in water accumulation in approach roads and forecourt areas, but the water was cleared subsequently. The adverse weather also affected flight operations, resulting in delays and diversions.
The India Meteorological Department forecast moderate rainfall across most parts of Delhi, with heavy rainfall of 50-100 mm at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph.
The IMD issued a yellow alert, warning of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and underpasses. The weather office had earlier issued a red alert for intense rainfall in the national capital.