Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and waterlogging in Delhi-NCR on September 4, 2026, significantly impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
- Nine flights diverted between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.
- Over 400 flights delayed throughout the day according to flight-tracking data.
- Advisories issued by IndiGo and Air India regarding adverse weather impacts.
- Red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department for September 4 and 5.
Between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, nine flights were diverted to other airports: four to Jaipur, four to Lucknow, and one to Ahmedabad. Flight-tracking data indicated that more than 400 flights faced delays throughout the day. Delhi serves as a primary connecting hub for travel to the Gulf, including destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, and Bahrain. Passengers traveling to or from these locations, as well as those with connecting domestic flights, have been advised to check their flight status before departing for the airport. The airport operator confirmed the disruption and emphasized ongoing coordination with stakeholders, urging travelers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates.
IndiGo and Air India have issued advisories regarding the impact of adverse weather on their schedules. Airlines cautioned that road congestion caused by waterlogging may lead to longer transit times, advising passengers to build in extra time for their journeys. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rain warning for the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region for both September 4 and September 5, with a red alert for intense rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds issued on Friday afternoon. The Palam weather station recorded significant rainfall during the day. Travelers are urged to monitor flight status via airline websites and applications rather than relying solely on SMS notifications. For passengers with domestic connections to international flights, or vice-versa, delays on one leg may impact overall travel plans. In cases of diversions, aircraft may be held at alternate airports until weather conditions improve, fuel planning is addressed, and slots are cleared, which can lead to significant arrival delays or potential rescheduling and cancellations due to crew duty-time limits.
