Heavy Rain Disrupts Flight Operations at Ahmedabad Airport

Anirudh Jain - Kolkata Bureau Jul 25, 2026 1,950 Views

Heavy rains in Ahmedabad have disrupted operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, leading to 36 flight delays and 4 cancellations on July 25, 2026. Severe waterlogging has impacted both terminal access and tarmac operations, prompting airport authorities to issue advisories for travelers to check flight statuses and allow extra time.

AHMEDABAD — Flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad faced major disruptions on Friday, July 25, 2026, as relentless heavy rainfall triggered severe waterlogging across the city and on approach roads to the airfield. Airport authorities confirmed that the adverse weather conditions led to the delay of 36 flights and the cancellation of four services throughout the day.

The severe weather, which has affected multiple transport sectors across Gujarat, forced passengers to navigate flooded terminal areas, with some reportedly requiring assistance from airport staff via luggage trolleys to reach their gates.

Impact on Air Traffic and Passengers

The disruption primarily affected connectivity to key Indian metropolitan centers. Of the 36 delayed flights, 23 were departures—including 22 domestic services and one international flight to Colombo—while 13 arrivals were impacted, consisting of 10 domestic and three international flights arriving from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Colombo.

Outbound travel from Ahmedabad to Delhi emerged as the most severely impacted sector, recording four separate delays, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru. Additionally, two Mumbai-bound departures were cancelled, alongside incoming flights from Mumbai and Jalgaon.

IndiGo, one of the primary carriers operating out of SVPI, issued a travel advisory noting that the adverse weather conditions led to extended wait times both on the ground and onboard aircraft. Social media reports from passengers highlighted logistical challenges, including wait times of nearly 50 minutes for parking bays and instances of deboarding through flooded tarmac areas.

Official Response and Airport Advisory

Airport authorities maintained that flight operations continued despite the challenging environment, though the facility’s infrastructure faced significant strain from the "unprecedented" volume of rainfall.

"Due to unprecedented heavy rain, waterlogging has been reported in several areas around Ahmedabad airport, which may impact road connectivity to and from the airport," the airport stated in an official advisory. Officials have urged all passengers to plan their travel well in advance, allow for extra time due to road congestion, and verify the status of their flights directly with their respective airlines before departing for the airport.

Why It Matters

The logistical gridlock at the airport underscores the broader impact of the extreme weather currently gripping Gujarat. Beyond aviation, the rain has brought industrial operations to a near standstill in major manufacturing hubs such as Naroda and Vatva, with preliminary estimates suggesting significant production losses. For travelers, the situation highlights the necessity of proactive flight monitoring during monsoon-related weather events, as road connectivity to major transit hubs can be compromised by urban flooding.

Key Facts at a Glance

Total Delays: 36 flights (23 departures and 13 arrivals).
Total Cancellations: 4 flights, primarily affecting the Mumbai and Jalgaon sectors.
Primary Cause: Unprecedented heavy rainfall and resulting waterlogging on airport approach roads and terminal areas.
Affected Destinations: Includes domestic hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and international routes to Singapore, Colombo, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should passengers do if their flight is affected by weather?

Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status on their airline’s website or app and allow significant extra time for travel to the airport due to road waterlogging.

Is the airport still operational?

Yes, flight operations are continuing despite the weather, though delays and potential cancellations remain possible depending on evolving conditions.

Why did passengers need help from trolleys at the airport?

Severe waterlogging inside the terminal and approach areas made walking difficult, leading staff to assist passengers with luggage trolleys to ensure they could navigate the flooded areas.

Source: Times of India (Ahmedabad Edition), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport