Flight operations hit at Delhi Airport after dust storm; 50 flights delayed, several cancelled

ANI April 12, 2025 126 views

A severe dust storm created significant travel chaos at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday evening. Over 50 domestic flights experienced delays, with 22 flights diverted and several cancelled, causing major passenger inconvenience. Passengers complained about poor airport management, lack of communication, and inadequate support during the disruptions. The incident highlighted ongoing challenges in Indian aviation infrastructure and passenger service during unexpected weather events.

"Ultra mismanagement and stampede-like situation at Terminal 3" - Vipul Singh, Passenger
New Delhi, April 12: A dust storm disrupted flight operations Friday evening at Delhi Airport, affecting passengers traveling to and from the city.

Key Points

1

Dust storm triggers widespread flight disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport

2

Over 22 flights diverted and multiple cancellations reported

3

Passengers face extensive delays and poor airport management

4

CISF and airport officials monitor chaotic situation

According to airport sources, from Friday evening till Saturday morning, over 50 domestic flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, around 25 flights were diverted, and seven were cancelled due to the dust storm.

Senior officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Airport Officials monitored the situation and responded to passengers' complaints.

"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.

Airport sources confirmed that there was a huge rush at boarding gates due to the congestion of flights, although the passenger load was less than on any other day.

Airlines said that the flights were delayed due to the air traffic control congestion at Delhi Airport. Many passengers complained of a chaotic situation at the boarding gate and airline staff who were clueless about delays.

"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 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.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is getting ridiculous! Every time there's slight weather disruption, Delhi Airport collapses. Need better contingency plans. The way passengers were treated is unacceptable 😡
P
Priya M.
Was stuck there for 6 hours last night with my toddler. No proper announcements, no food arrangements. Staff seemed overwhelmed but at least the CISF officers were trying to help where they could.
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Ankit S.
While weather disruptions are unavoidable, the lack of communication is what frustrates passengers the most. Airlines and airports need to invest in better passenger information systems.
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Sneha P.
Saw the video of Terminal 3 - looked terrifying! 😨 Hope everyone is safe. Airport authorities should have anticipated this after the dust storm warning and prepared better.
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Vikram J.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on passenger complaints but doesn't give enough credit to the airport staff who were working overnight in difficult conditions. Both sides have valid points here.
N
Neha T.
This is why I always carry snacks and water when flying during summer months. Monsoon and dust storms can cause major delays. Stay prepared, folks! ✈️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Delhi Airport Flight Disruptions Dust Storm Air Travel India Aviation Air India
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