August 9, 2025, brought chaos to travels at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet fired off urgent travel alerts. Heavy monsoon rain flooded the city, waterlogging critical routes and snarling the roads, leading to the late departure of more than 100 flights. The torrents on the tarmac matched those in the city, and the slow-moving traffic leaving downtown only compounded the problem, leaving thousands of passengers stuck at check-in counters and in taxi queues. With meteorologists expecting the rain to persist, the backlog grew, and passengers learned that the day’s travel plan—already strained—was only the start of a longer ordeal in the capital’s weather.

On the morning of August 9, 2025, heavy rainfall in Delhi led to significant disruptions across the city, resulting in over 100 flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Passengers traveling on major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet found themselves stranded as severe weather caused chaos in the skies and on the roads. The capital’s already congested roads became impassable, exacerbating the situation as travelers struggled to reach the airport amidst waterlogging and traffic gridlocks.

As the storm showed no signs of abating, airlines issued urgent travel advisories, urging passengers to plan their journeys in advance, check flight statuses regularly, and be prepared for extended waiting times.

Flight Delays and Disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely affected by the heavy rain. According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, more than 135 flights to and from the airport were delayed by early morning. Of these, 120 departing flights and 15 incoming flights were directly impacted, with delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

The poor weather conditions, coupled with low visibility caused by the downpour, were the main reasons for the delays. Additionally, the waterlogged runways and flooded areas around the airport further complicated operations, preventing the timely departure and arrival of flights.

As a result, passengers faced long waits in terminals, many of them unsure of when they would be able to board their flights. The delays also had a ripple effect, extending throughout the day and affecting flights scheduled in the afternoon and evening.

Airlines Issue Travel Advisories Amid Disruptions

To mitigate the impact of the adverse weather, airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet took proactive measures by issuing travel advisories to their passengers. The advisories were aimed at helping travelers navigate through the chaos and minimize their frustration.

• IndiGo, one of the largest low-cost carriers in India, advised its passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance to account for both weather-related delays and heavy traffic. The airline also recommended exploring alternate routes to the airport to avoid getting caught in traffic congestion.
• Air India echoed similar advice, urging passengers to check their flight statuses frequently and to allow extra time for their travel. They emphasized the importance of arriving early at the airport due to the slow-moving traffic caused by the rainfall.
• SpiceJet, which operates several domestic and international routes from Delhi, also issued warnings regarding possible delays. The airline advised passengers to remain patient and stay updated with real-time flight information, especially as the weather conditions continued to fluctuate.

These travel advisories were designed to help passengers manage their time more effectively and reduce the overall impact of the delays. However, despite these efforts, the ongoing weather conditions made it difficult to provide exact timelines for the resumption of normal flight operations.

The Impact of Severe Weather on Ground Transportation

In addition to the flight delays, the heavy rainfall caused major disruptions to ground transportation in Delhi. Several areas, including Mathura Road, Panchkuian Marg, and Connaught Place, were severely waterlogged, leading to massive traffic jams. Commuters trying to reach the airport were faced with slow-moving vehicles and increased travel times.

The traffic congestion was further exacerbated by the volume of vehicles trying to navigate through flooded streets, as well as the lack of clear drainage systems in some areas. As a result, many passengers missed their flights or were unable to reach the airport in time for check-in.

Local authorities worked to clear the roads, but the sheer volume of water on the streets made it challenging to restore normal conditions. As the storm persisted, the situation only worsened, with many roads remaining submerged under several inches of water for hours.

Public Transportation: A Viable Alternative

In light of the traffic chaos, Delhi Airport authorities recommended the use of public transportation, particularly the Delhi Metro, as a more efficient means of reaching the airport. The Delhi Metro, which connects various parts of the city to the airport, was suggested as an alternative to private vehicles, especially since the metro network was largely unaffected by the rain.

However, even the metro system saw some delays, although not to the extent of the road network. Passengers were advised to check the metro’s real-time updates to plan their journeys accordingly. Using the metro was particularly helpful for those who were trying to avoid the worst of the flooding on the roads.

Despite these suggestions, many travelers still faced long waits and uncertainties as they navigated through the disruptions caused by the severe weather.

Weather Forecast and Outlook

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heavy rain and thunderstorms that affected Delhi were expected to continue throughout the day. A red alert had been issued for the city, with further downpours anticipated in the afternoon and evening.

The IMD also predicted that these adverse weather conditions could extend into the next few days, which means travelers heading to Delhi may continue to face delays and disruptions over the weekend. The ongoing rain, coupled with the forecast of more storms, has left the city’s transportation systems vulnerable to further interruptions.

Authorities and airlines have stressed the importance of staying updated on the weather and flight statuses, as conditions could change rapidly throughout the day.

Advice for Passengers

Given the ongoing disruptions, travelers were advised to take the following precautions:

1. Check Flight Status Frequently: With continuous changes in flight schedules, it is essential for passengers to check their flight statuses regularly via the airline’s website or app to stay informed about any delays or cancellations.
2. Arrive Early: Due to slow-moving traffic and the possibility of further delays, passengers should arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight time. This will help account for any unforeseen circumstances and ensure they do not miss their flights.
3. Consider Public Transportation: Whenever possible, passengers should use the Delhi Metro or other forms of public transport to avoid the traffic gridlocks caused by the heavy rain.
4. Stay Patient and Prepared: Given the ongoing disruptions, it is important for travelers to remain patient and flexible with their plans. Flight delays are likely to continue, so passengers should be prepared for extended waiting times at the airport.

On August 9, 2025, heavy rainfall and severe traffic jams hit Delhi hard. The rainfall brought over 100 flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport, according to urgent alerts from Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. Thousands of travelers were left waiting as waterlogged runways and flooded streets caused huge backups.

Rainfall worsened through the day. Passengers were told to check flight updates and keep plans flexible. The storms worsened not only air travel but ground transport too, keeping terminal roads and rail links choked with delays. Many missed onward connections, creating a ripple effect felt throughout the metro.

Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet tried to keep lines of communication open. They sent real-time updates and rescheduling links through apps and social media. Yet, with another storm system predicted to develop, travelers were urged to be patient and avoid arriving too early at the airport when roads were already clogged.

Delhi officials and airline teams continued to monitor weather radar and water levels. Plans included deploying extra buses and staff to ease the crush in the terminals. Passengers were reminded that with conditions still changing, the best approach was to keep checking flight info and allow extra time to get to their gate.