MUMBAI – Downpours have thrown daily life into chaos in both Mumbai and Delhi this week. Persistent rain has impacted flights and led airlines to send urgent travel alerts, as the weather disrupts operations across both cities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed Mumbai on red alert and Delhi on orange alert, warning of more rain and raising fears of flooding and severe traffic issues.
Rain began picking up over the weekend, swamping low-lying parts of both cities. Roads to airports became clogged, and areas such as Gandhi Market, Kings Circle, and Malad Subway in Mumbai saw waist-high water.
In Delhi, key routes in the NCR became blocked, and vehicles barely moved. The IMD said a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal was behind the heavy rain, with some parts of Mumbai seeing over 200 mm in just 24 hours.
Airlines Advise Caution
Major airlines, like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have published alerts asking travellers to check flight times and plan for extra travel time. IndiGo posted on X, stating that ongoing rain is slowing air traffic in Mumbai and causing delays.
The airline said they are working closely with air traffic control to fix flight timings and asked passengers to monitor flight status before leaving home. They also advised those flying to Delhi to expect blocked routes and suggested taking alternate roads.
Air India echoed these concerns, reminding passengers that rain could affect all flights to and from Delhi and urged them to allow more time to reach the airport. SpiceJet warned of likely delays to all flights in and out of Mumbai. Akasa Air also extended its alert to cover both cities and noted that traffic to airports is moving slowly.
Mumbai Rainfall Alert
Mumbai remains under a red alert, making it the worst hit. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport reported average delays of 10 minutes for arriving flights and 20 minutes for departures, with some flights diverted to Ahmedabad and Nagpur.
Saturday alone saw over 350 flights delayed, and 15 planes needed to circle before landing because of poor visibility and flooding on the runways. The city authorities (BMC) issued their own warnings of likely “very heavy rainfall” in the days ahead, with Tulsi Lake, one of the city’s biggest reservoirs, already overflowing.
The city’s infrastructure is feeling the pressure. Water-filled railway tracks have thrown Central and Harbour Line train services into disarray. IMD forecasts predict the rain could continue until Thursday, with a risk of flash floods in Palghar, Raigad, and Suburban Mumbai. On social media, frustrated posts and videos show flooded streets and travellers stranded, and there are more calls for improvements to the city’s monsoon planning.
Severe Jam in Delhi
Delhi has also felt the effect. Traffic has come to a near standstill along the main routes to Indira Gandhi International Airport. IndiGo warned that many roads are either blocked or moving very slowly, and told travellers to factor in more time for their trip. The IMD’s orange alert for Delhi remains in place as heavy rain continues. A recent wall collapse in Rohtak, which led to seven deaths, has added to the concern over the larger impact of monsoon rains in northern India.
Travellers are airing frustrations online about long waiting times and difficult journeys. One social media user shared, “Stuck on the way to Mumbai airport for over an hour because of waterlogging. No updates from the airline!” Airlines have responded, saying their teams are working hard to keep disruptions to a minimum. IndiGo offered reassurance, saying customer safety and comfort come first, while Akasa Air encouraged travellers to set out early to avoid added stress.
This spate of heavy rain has reignited debate about India’s urban planning. Regular monsoon trouble in Mumbai and traffic problems in Delhi highlight an urgent need to strengthen city flood management plans. IMD expects more rain in the coming days, as airlines and city officials prepare for further setbacks.
India Traveller Guidance
Airlines have shared the following suggestions:
- Check your flight status online before heading to the airport
- Allow extra time to account for waterlogged roads and traffic
- Keep up with local weather updates and consider alternative routes
With the monsoon still causing problems in Mumbai and Delhi, passengers are being asked to stay alert and focus on safety. For updates, travellers should visit airline websites or follow their social channels for real-time information.
