New Delhi: Chaos erupted at the Delhi Airport on Saturday after flights delayed due to strong dust storms. From Friday evening till Saturday morning, over 50 domestic flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, reported news agency ANI citing sources.
As per the news agency, around 25 flights were diverted, and seven were cancelled due to the dust storm. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Airport Officials monitored the situation.
Chaos At Delhi Airport | X/@prafullaketkar
"After the dust storm, many flights were diverted and cancelled, and this caused inconvenience to passengers waiting for their flights at Delhi airport. The diverted flight took time to reach Delhi, and this led to rush at the airport," said a senior official told ANI.
There was a huge rush at boarding gates due to the congestion of flights, airport sources confirmed to the news agency. As per airlines, t the flights were delayed due to the air traffic control congestion at Delhi Airport.
Passengers' Complaints:
Meanwhile, several passengers complained of a chaotic situation at the boarding gate. They also tweeted visuals of the situation at the airport.
"Utter chaos at @DelhiAirport T3- flights not taking off, pax stranded - duty staff clueless. Fm a friend at Gate 44AB now. ‘We should hv boarded for Mumbai at 0455…No information… incompetence is visible, foreigners laughing at us. Old people suffering.” Pls intervene @RamMNK @DGCAIndia," a passenger said in a X post.
"The flight AI 2512, which was scheduled at 19.30 hr on 11-04-2025, kept on delaying hour by hour. All passengers were held hostage by Air India the whole night at Delhi Airport without giving any clarity on the delay. They didn't have the courtesy to serve the basic needs, viz water and food, to the passengers consisting of infants, children, pregnant women, and patients unless agitated. The AI ground staff were cruel in treating the passengers. When the complaint was raised before the CISF, they too were soft and protective with Air India staff by neglecting, ignoring, and harassing the passengers. Don't know how DGCA gives justice to the passengers of AI 2512, which has not yet been taken off from Delhi airport at 06.53 hrs on 12-04-2025," posted on X by one of the passengers Dr HY Desai.
Another passenger, Vipul Singh, posted a video of the boarding area on X: "Ultra mismanagement and stampede-like situation at Terminal 3, New Delhi Airport due to poor mismanagement by airport management." According to Air India, a total of 22 flights were diverted, and five were cancelled due to the dust storm.
"Alert ! @AAI_Official @DelhiAirport there is a complete chaos at the Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport. @airindia is not able handle the passenger. If not addressed immediately, it will create a Stampede like situation due to frequent gate change. Look into the matter urgently," a passenger posted.
Statement by Airlines:
Air India said that it is closely monitoring the situation. "Poor weather, caused by heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds, has affected flight operations across parts of Northern India. Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule. We are closely monitoring the situation and are doing our best to minimise the disruption," the airline stated.
IndiGo said that airside congestion still continues to impact flights to and from Delhi.
"While weather conditions in Delhi have improved, airside congestion continues to impact flight operations to/from Delhi. We encourage you to regularly check your flight status for the latest updates. Our ground team remains committed to assisting you and ensuring your wait is as comfortable as possible. We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and support as we work to get you to your destination smoothly," IndiGo said.
Meanwhile, heavy thunderstorms and gusty winds have wreaked havoc on flight operations in Northern India, causing delays and diversions.
A 67-year-old man lost his life while another sustained serious injuries after construction material fell on them from the roof of a building in Delhi's Chander Vihar area following a dust storm on Friday.
