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
![Washington, United States: A United Airlines flight bound for Guatemala City made an emergency diversion to Washington Dulles International Airport after a passenger allegedly attempted to open a cabin door at cruising altitude and assaulted another traveler, according to air traffic control communications and federal authorities. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 1551, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which departed from Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday evening carrying 145 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft had been en route to Guatemala City when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. According to audio between the flight crew and air traffic controllers, the pilot informed controllers that the disruptive passenger attempted to open Door 2L while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 36,000 feet. The pilot also reported that the passenger later assaulted another individual onboard. During the exchange, the tower asked the crew which door the passenger had attempted to access. The pilot responded: “Door 2L at 36,000 feet and then [the passenger] assaulted a fellow passenger.” When controllers asked whether there were any injuries onboard, the pilot replied: “Not to our knowledge.” The aircraft landed safely at Washington Dulles at approximately 8:38 p.m. local time. Law enforcement and emergency personnel met the aircraft upon arrival. The FBI later confirmed that agents responded to the incident at the airport, although the agency did not immediately release additional details regarding the passenger’s identity, possible charges, or whether the individual was taken into federal custody. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft remained airborne for a period before diverting toward the Washington region instead of continuing south toward Guatemala. The diversion temporarily disrupted the scheduled international service but no injuries among passengers or crew were officially reported. United Airlines had not issued a detailed public statement at the time of publication regarding the circumstances surrounding the diversion or the status of the passenger involved. Federal authorities are expected to review crew reports, passenger statements, and onboard evidence as part of the investigation.](https://aviationtoday.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AVIATION-TODAY-UNITEDV-AIRLINES-RUDE-PASSENGER-768x432.jpg)
