Weather in Delhi disrupts air travel: airlines issue advisories to flyers
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, passengers travelling to and from Delhi saw a number of disruptions and alarms when three major Indian airlines—IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet—issued travel advisories in reaction to an adverse weather forecast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for heavy rains and moderate winds in the Delhi area, prompting airlines to alert passengers of potential delays and disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The IMD issued an Orange Alert for Delhi and the surrounding areas, a significant warning that usually implies the possibility of severe weather such as thunderstorms, high winds, or heavy rain. This level of alert indicates a considerable risk of interruptions in daily life, particularly in industries like aviation, whose operations are highly weather-sensitive. Thunderstorms and rain not only decrease vision, but they can also cause takeoffs and landings to be delayed, as well as temporarily grounding aircraft for safety reasons.
With the monsoon gradually setting in across areas of India, altering weather patterns are beginning to affect many modes of transportation. Delhi, being a major aviation hub, is especially vulnerable to such situations due to the volume of domestic and international aircraft it handles on a daily basis.
Airline announcements and passenger alerts
In light of the prognosis, the airlines moved quickly to notify their passengers of the growing scenario.
Indigo’s Advisory
IndiGo was among the first to release a statement. The airline issued a travel alert on its digital platforms early Saturday, advising customers of the likelihood of flight delays owing to rain and moderate winds over Delhi.
“#6ETravelAdvisory: Rain and moderate winds are expected in #Delhi, which may impact aircraft operations. Please check your flight status before leaving for the airport, and allow extra time for your commute. “Safe travels!” The airline posted on Platform X (previously Twitter).
The airline attempted to strike a soothing yet informational tone, implying that, while weather circumstances may slow things down, flight operations were mainly on schedule. In another update, IndiGo stated, “The city may be cloaked in grey, but our flight schedule is mostly bright and on time.” Light showers and moderate winds are forecast throughout the day, which, although ideal for a hot chai, may hinder your trip to the airport.
Notably, weather-related interruptions were not limited to Delhi. IndiGo also released a supplementary caution for the country’s eastern areas. Cities including as Silchar, Aizawl, and Shillong were expected to see delays due to persistent rain and thunderstorms. Their tweet stated: “#6ETravelAdvisory: As monsoon showers sweep across the eastern coast, intermittent heavy rains may cause slight delays in flight operations.”
The twin cautions reflect the extensive impact of early monsoon weather in diverse places, with IndiGo advising travellers across the country to exercise caution and keep informed.
Air India’s advisory
Air India followed suit, informing passengers of potential disruptions and suggesting safety precautions. The national carrier issued a social media caution, stating that showers and thunderstorms could cause delays for planes arriving or departing from Delhi later in the day.
“Rain and thunderstorms may affect flights to and from Delhi this evening.” “Please check your flight status and allow extra travel time,” the airline advised.
The alert emphasised the need of checking real-time flight statuses and planning for potential transportation bottlenecks due to wet and slippery roads. In previous years, sudden bouts of rain in Delhi have caused severe delays in both road and aviation traffic.
While brief, Air India’s caution emphasised the gravity of the situation, especially for evening travellers when thunderstorms were expected to worsen.
https://www.goindigo.in/information/flight-information.html
SpiceJet’s Advisory
SpiceJet also issued a weather update, warning its passengers of potential delays and advising them to monitor their flights closely. The airline announced that all departures and arrivals in Delhi might be affected due to inclement weather, and that these delays could also have a ripple effect on connecting flights.
“#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status,” said SpiceJet in its advisory.
The airline encouraged passengers to use the official SpiceJet website or app to receive the latest updates on schedules and any changes in boarding or departure times.
Recommendations for Passengers
Given the potential for delays and schedule changes, all three airlines have recommended a set of basic precautions for passengers:
- Check your flight status frequently, preferably via official airline apps or websites, to get real-time updates.
- Arrive at the airport early, especially during weather alerts. Road conditions may deteriorate, leading to unexpected delays in reaching the terminal.
- Be flexible with travel plans, and stay informed through news channels and official weather bulletins.
Passengers traveling from other parts of India to Delhi should also be alert, as even a localized weather event can affect nationwide operations due to aircraft rotations and connecting flights.
Conclusion
The early onset of monsoon-related weather in northern and northeastern India is beginning to show its impact on travel. While the rain may bring relief from scorching summer temperatures, it also creates logistical hurdles for air travel. With the IMD’s Orange Alert in effect and thunderstorms likely to persist for a few days, travelers are advised to stay vigilant and flexible.
IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have responded quickly to the forecast, demonstrating their commitment to passenger safety and clear communication. By following the advisories, checking flight statuses, and planning ahead, passengers can reduce inconvenience and travel more safely amid challenging weather conditions.
