Picture Credits: Delhi Airport
New Delhi, INDIA: After a turbulent start to May, operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) are stabilizing following widespread disruptions caused by adverse weather, ongoing runway upgrades, and regional airspace restrictions that continue to affect international travel.
Weather Disruptions Cause Chaos for Early Morning Flights
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on the morning of May 2 led to the diversion of three inbound flights with two rerouted to Jaipur and one to Ahmedabad while over 100 other services experienced delays. With visibility reduced and crosswinds intensifying, many domestic and international travelers faced long wait times.
By afternoon, however, airport officials confirmed that flight operations had largely returned to normal, with only a few minor delays still being reported. Passengers are being advised to monitor flight statuses closely, especially when traveling during the early hours or late evenings.
Runway Closure Adds to Delays
Further compounding the situation is the closure of Runway 28/10, which has been under maintenance since April 8 for critical upgrades to its Instrument Landing System (ILS). This key runway is expected to remain closed until May 4.
The shutdown, combined with a surge in easterly wind patterns, has forced air traffic controllers to shift operations to the remaining runways, limiting airport capacity. As a result, Delhi IGIA has been experiencing an average of 240 delays per day since early April.
Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt International Routes
Adding another layer of complexity, Pakistan’s continued closure of its airspace to Indian airlines following escalated political tensions has led to significant detours on westbound international routes.
Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have had to reroute flights to Europe and North America, resulting in increased fuel consumption, extended travel times (sometimes by as much as four hours), and a rise in ticket prices. Some carriers have even suspended select long-haul services or introduced refueling stops in Vienna and Copenhagen to manage operational strain.
Outlook and Passenger Advisory
Authorities at Delhi IGIA, one of Asia’s busiest airports, are working closely with airline operators and regulatory bodies to mitigate the ripple effects of these challenges. Weather conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, and the ILS upgrade is on schedule for completion by May 4. In the meantime, passengers are strongly encouraged to:
- Check real-time flight updates through airline websites and airport apps
- Arrive at the airport well in advance, especially for international flights
- Stay informed on any geopolitical developments that may impact travel routes
