Dust storm chaos causes 450 flights to be delayed at Delhi airport; passengers stuck for hours

Similar weather conditions had also led to flight diversions and cancellations at the Delhi airport on Friday.

Published on: Apr 12, 2025, 22:50:17 IST

By HT News Desk

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A dust storm in Delhi on Saturday led to hundreds of passengers waiting for long hours at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport as more than 450 flights were delayed. Several flights were also cancelled inconveniencing passengers further.

Dust storms and gusty winds led to several flights being delayed or cancelled at Delhi's IGI airport (PTI)

The gusty winds and inclement weather conditions disrupted operations at the airport, with passengers waiting for updates from Friday evening to Saturday morning.

Also Read: Delhi dust storm hits airport operations, 205 flights delayed: Report

The congestion eased slightly after Saturday afternoon. Many passengers took to social media to voice their frustration with the crowded and chaotic airport.

One passenger tagged the aviation minister and Air India authorities, saying, “Most mismanaged, misinformed world class international airport, New Delhi.#INDIRAGandhi.. worse than Bus Stand.”

In a post on X, DIAL said flight operations at the airport were now normal across all terminals. The flight operator also urged people to consistently check their website for updates.

Also Read: Flight operations hit in Delhi as dust storm rips through city; Red alert issued

"We want to assure you that all airlines and stakeholders are working hard to minimise any inconvenience to passengers," DIAL said in the post.

Flights delayed and cancelled

Over 450 flights were delayed, with the average delay for departing flights around 50 minutes. Around 18 flights were cancelled, as per data from flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

Also Read: Delhi airport: Runway repair sparks delays, flyers suffer

IndiGo, in a post on X said, “Ongoing air traffic congestion in Delhi is causing flights to be held for takeoff and landing clearance. Due to the consequential impact, a few flights across the network are impacted too.”

Air India also issued a statement and said that potential disruptions were to be expected due to a forecast of heavy winds and dust storms.

Similar weather conditions on Friday also caused flight diversions and delays, with air traffic congestion continuing to affect operations a day later.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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