Monsoon Disruptions: Flights Diverted as Heavy Rain Batters India

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jul 05, 2026 1,500 Views

Heavy monsoon rains have caused significant travel disruptions in Delhi and Mumbai, with nearly 30 flights diverted over the weekend. Major airlines have issued travel advisories as Mumbai remains under an IMD "Red Alert," and ground teams in both cities work to mitigate the impact of flooding and reduced visibility on air operations.

Intense rainfall and severe weather have forced major airlines to divert nearly 30 flights across Delhi and Mumbai, as aviation authorities issue urgent travel advisories.

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Unrelenting monsoon rains and gusty winds have severely disrupted aviation operations in India’s two largest metropolitan hubs, leading to significant flight diversions and delays over the weekend. As of Sunday, July 5, 2026, air traffic at both the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has been compromised by adverse weather conditions.

Across the two cities, approximately 30 flights—including domestic and international services—have been diverted to nearby airports such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Surat to ensure passenger safety.

Flight Operations Crippled by Weather

In Mumbai, the situation escalated on Sunday morning when the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport was forced to suspend all runway operations for one hour, from 10:17 a.m. to 11:17 a.m. The suspension was triggered by heavy downpours and gusty winds reaching up to 42 knots, which created unstable conditions for incoming and outgoing aircraft.

“Adverse weather conditions, including strong gusty winds and reduced visibility, impacted runway operations. As per procedure, operations were temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft, and ground personnel,” Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) stated.

In the national capital, Delhi, similar scenes unfolded on Saturday evening and Sunday as heavy thunderstorms and high-velocity winds forced the diversion of 15 flights. Airport authorities confirmed that ground teams are working to manage the backlog, but passengers continue to face extended wait times.

Official Advisories and Passenger Guidance

Major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued formal travel advisories urging passengers to verify the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.

"To ensure a smooth travel experience, we encourage our passengers to check the latest flight status via our official website or mobile application before heading to the airport," an Air India spokesperson stated.

Airport operators in both cities have advised travelers to utilize alternative modes of transport, such as the Delhi Metro, to avoid road congestion and waterlogging that have rendered many arterial roads impassable.

Meteorological Outlook

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintains a "Red Alert" for Mumbai and its surrounding districts, warning of "extremely heavy" rainfall. Five active weather systems across the west coast and central India are sustaining the intense monsoon activity. Delhi remains under a "Yellow Alert," with intermittent thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to persist through the coming days.

Why It Matters

These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of critical urban infrastructure during the peak monsoon season. For travelers, the situation poses a significant risk of missed connections and prolonged scheduling delays. Beyond aviation, the rain has caused widespread flooding, tree collapses, and traffic congestion, complicating the "last-mile" connectivity for passengers attempting to reach their terminals.

Key Facts at a Glance

Diversions: Nearly 30 flights have been diverted away from Delhi and Mumbai airports due to poor visibility and heavy winds.
Airport Suspension: Mumbai’s main runway was closed for one hour on Sunday morning for safety reasons.
Weather Alerts: Mumbai is currently under an IMD "Red Alert," while Delhi faces a "Yellow Alert" due to ongoing thunderstorms.
Passenger Advice: Airlines are strongly recommending that travelers check real-time flight status and allow extra time for commuting to the airport.

FAQ

Why are flights being diverted?

Flights are diverted when pilots determine that weather conditions—such as low visibility, high wind speeds, or heavy rain—make landing at the primary airport unsafe.

How can I find my current flight status?

Passengers should check the official websites or mobile apps of their respective airlines. Most airports also provide live updates on their portals and social media handles.

Will I be compensated for the delay?

Compensation policies for weather-related delays or diversions depend on individual airline policies and national aviation regulations. Passengers are advised to contact their airline’s customer support team for specific assistance.

Source: Air India, IndiGo, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai International Airport (CSMIA)