Lucknow/New Delhi, September 4 (TNA) Adverse weather and heavy rainfall over Delhi-NCR on Friday evening disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, leading to multiple diversions, including four flights that were rerouted to Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (LKO).
According to airport and airline updates, the following Delhi-bound flights were diverted to Lucknow due to the deteriorating weather in the national capital:
• QP 1821 (Bengaluru–Delhi): Arrived at Lucknow at 16:37 hrs.
• AI 484 (Ludhiana–Delhi): Arrived at 16:50 hrs and later departed from Lucknow at 17:51 hrs after weather conditions improved.
• AI 2516 (Indore–Delhi): Arrived at 16:58 hrs.
• AI 2541 (Hyderabad–Delhi): Arrived at 17:06 hrs.
Passengers on these flights were held on board or in the terminal while airlines coordinated with Delhi air traffic control for further movement. Some aircraft were later cleared to proceed to Delhi once the intensity of rain and wind eased, while others were expected to resume their journey based on slot availability and crew duty-time norms.
The disruptions come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over Delhi, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reported across several parts of the city and surrounding areas. The severe weather led to waterlogging on key roads and affected surface transport as well as air operations, with visibility and wind shear becoming critical parameters for approaching aircraft.
In addition to the four flights diverted to Lucknow, at least five other inbound flights to Delhi were rerouted to Jaipur (JAI) as airlines and airport authorities implemented contingency plans to ensure safety. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for updated departure times, rescheduling options and refund or rebooking policies.
Airport officials in Lucknow said ground handling teams were mobilised to manage the sudden influx of diverted flights, with arrangements made for food, water and basic assistance to passengers during the unscheduled stopovers. Travellers were urged to monitor flight status on airline apps and airport websites before heading to the terminal, as the weather forecast indicates continued rain activity over Delhi-NCR through the evening and into the night.