A severe dust storm swept through the national capital and surrounding areas on Friday evening, disrupting flight operations and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
At least 15 flights were diverted at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions caused by the dust storm. Airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed the disruption, advising passengers to stay updated by contacting their respective airlines.
“Due to inclement weather conditions in Delhi, some of the flights at Delhi Airport are impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” DIAL said in a post on X.
IndiGo and Air India both issued travel advisories, alerting passengers to potential delays and diversions not only in Delhi but also in Jaipur, as the dust storm and gusty winds impacted takeoffs and landings across northern India.
Air India’s advisory stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation and are doing our best to minimise the disruption. We advise our guests to check the latest status of their flights before heading to the airport.”
This marks the second consecutive day Delhi has been hit by a dust storm, affecting daily life and causing power outages in some parts of the city. Though no major structural damage has been reported, light rainfall and thunderstorms have also been recorded in areas such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.
The IMD had earlier predicted a shift in weather patterns following an intense heatwave, forecasting thunderstorms and rainfall. As of 8 pm, the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Rohini station reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 150, indicating a moderate air quality level after a day of high dust levels.
The IMD has forecast light rain and cloudy skies for Delhi on April 12. Clearer weather is expected to return in the days that follow.
Sources By Agencies