Over 100 flights delayed as strong thundershowers lash Delhi

NEW DELHI: Strong thundershowers struck the capital, particularly parts of south-west Delhi on Friday with a number of flights delayed and diverted due to intense rain around the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Sources said over 100 flights had been delayed due to the rain, while 17 flights had to be diverted between a one period 3:30 and 4:30 pm.

“Seventeen flights were diverted at the IGI airport between 3:20 to 4:30pm due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions. Several flights were also delayed during the period,” said an airport official.



According to the IMD, the Palam observatory received 42.6mm of rainfall till 5:30 pm. However, the Safdarjung area was not affected and received only 1.2mm of rainfall during this period. The met office has forecast more rain over the weekend with light to moderate showers likely to occur.

Airlines also took to twitter to warn passengers about possible delays and congestion. “Due to air traffic congestion in Delhi consequent to heavy rains, arrival & departure delays of upto 45 minutes are expected at Delhi airport till 8pm,” said Jet Airways in a tweet.



R.K Jenamani, met head at the IGI airport, says an ‘intense’ spell of rain hit the IGI airport between 2:30 to 3:45 pm with wind speeds touching 40km/hr. “Surface winds touched 40kmph and the wind direction changed four times during this period, making it difficult for flights to land. It must be understood however that a number of flight disruptions and diversions had nothing to do with peak wind speed but the height of thunderstorm clouds that stand at flight path and trigger wind shear while flights are descending,” said Jenamani.

A change in wind directions and strong winds often make it difficult for flights to land. Sources say the flights were diverted to nearby cities like Lucknow and Jaipur among others.