Storm In The Skies: Delhi Rain And Thunderstorm Throw Flight Schedules Off Course

Nikunj Parikh May 13, 2026 320 Views

A sudden spell of rain, hailstorm, and gusty winds across Delhi-NCR disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday evening, prompting airlines and airport authorities to issue urgent advisories. Several flights were delayed or diverted as passengers faced longer waiting times amid rapidly changing weather conditions.

Delhi-NCR witnessed intense weather activity on May 13 as thunderstorms, lightning, and hail swept across the region after days of scorching heat. The abrupt weather shift not only brought temporary relief from rising temperatures but also severely impacted air travel and airport connectivity across the national capital.

Flight Operations Hit By Severe Weather

Heavy rain and strong winds reduced visibility around Delhi airport, affecting both arrivals and departures. Multiple flights operated by IndiGo and Air India were diverted to Jaipur and nearby airports as safety protocols were activated amid worsening weather conditions.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that airport operations remained functional but advised travelers to use Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line and Magenta Line to avoid traffic congestion and possible delays reaching terminals.

Airlines Issue Passenger Advisories

Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, issued real-time travel advisories asking passengers to check flight status updates before leaving for the airport. Extended waiting times, delayed boarding, and operational slowdowns were reported throughout the evening.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi remained under an orange alert with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rainfall, and wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph in several parts of the NCR region.

Travel Disruption Highlights

Several flights diverted from Delhi to Jaipur due to poor visibility
Airlines warned passengers about delays and longer ground waiting times
Delhi Airport advised commuters to use Metro connectivity for faster access
IMD issued orange alert for thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds
Weather activity expected to continue with partly cloudy skies on Thursday
The latest Delhi weather update and airport advisory highlight how rapidly changing climate conditions are increasingly impacting urban infrastructure and aviation operations in India. Travelers flying to or from Delhi are advised to stay updated through official airline and airport channels before commencing their journey.