New Delhi: Heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds wreaked havoc on flight operations across Northern India on Friday, leading to widespread delays and diversions.
Air India issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check the latest flight status before heading to the airport.
“Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule. We are closely monitoring the situation and are doing our best to minimise the disruption,” the advisory stated.
According to airport sources, at least 15 flights were diverted and several others delayed at Delhi Airport due to dust storms and gusty winds that swept through the capital on Friday evening. The sudden change in weather impacted various parts of Delhi, including flight operations at the busy hub.
However, beyond the delays, passenger frustration boiled over on social media, where many criticised Air India for poor communication and a lack of timely updates on flight statuses and gate information.
One X user wrote: “Shocked by Air India staff Krishna Kant Sharma referring to passengers’ valid concerns as ‘Bhandara’ during delayed boarding of AI 2705 (Delhi to Kolkata) on April 12, 2025. This is no way to treat paying customers. @airindia @DGCAIndia — we deserve accountability and respect.”
Another frustrated passenger shared: “Flight AI2725 was supposed to fly by 8:00 am on 12th April, but still no update — either on display or by any Air India crew. What kind of service are you providing?”
Similarly, delays on flight AI 2651 drew ire:“@airindia what the hell is going on?? AI 2651 was supposed to depart at 8 AM, and we’re still waiting for the gate announcement. What are we supposed to do? Who’ll be responsible if there’s any further delay?”
Passengers at Terminal 3 described the situation as chaotic.
“There is total chaos at Terminal 3. @airindia please at least provide updates on flights. Boards are not getting updated. There is no Air India staff to help or provide any information. @DelhiAirport @DelhiAirportGMR.”
Another added: “Chaos at Delhi Airport: Nearly all Air India flights delayed. Poor staffing, no communication. @MpRammohannaidu @MoCA_GoI.”
Power outages across parts of Delhi
Meanwhile, heavy rains and dust storms on Friday evening disrupted power supply across several northern parts of Delhi.
According to a spokesperson from Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), the primary cause of the outages was tree branches and debris falling onto electrical lines due to strong winds.
“Today’s dust storm and isolated rain during the evening led to localised disruptions in power supply in some parts of North Delhi, primarily due to branches of trees and other objects falling on electrical lines,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Affected areas included parts of Narela, Bawana, Badli, and Mangolpuri. In addition to the low-voltage distribution network, disruptions were also reported in both High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) systems.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and power was restored in most affected areas by late evening.
“Our operations and maintenance teams were immediately mobilised to address the situation. Power supply has been restored in most areas, with efforts ongoing in a few remaining pockets,” the spokesperson added. “The safety of our customers remains our top priority. We urge residents to remain alert during adverse weather and report any supply or safety-related concerns via our 24x7 toll-free helpline at 19124.”
Meanwhile, the adverse weather also impacted air travel. At least 15 flights were diverted from Delhi Airport due to dust storms and poor visibility. Air India issued a travel advisory alerting passengers to potential delays and diversions.
The storm also caused trees to fall in multiple areas, further contributing to disruption in traffic and infrastructure.
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