If you are planning to fly out of Mumbai or Delhi over the next couple of days, it is worth pausing before you rush to the airport. Air India has advised passengers travelling to and from both cities to check the live status of their flight online before leaving home. The airline says the poor weather building over Mumbai could disrupt flight operations in both Mumbai and Delhi, which makes staying alert while planning your journey more important than usual.
Mumbai is currently in the full grip of the monsoon. The city has seen heavy, sustained rain for several days, and everyday life has taken a hit. Delhi, by contrast, is seeing only scattered showers, but when you compare the two, Mumbai's situation is clearly far more serious.
Red Alert for Mumbai
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rain red alert on Monday for Mumbai and its neighbouring areas. According to the department, Mumbai and its suburbs are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. On Sunday itself, the weather office had warned that this spell of rain could continue for the next 24 hours. In practical terms, that means a higher risk of waterlogging in the city's low-lying areas and long traffic jams on the roads.
Storm and Rain Warning for Delhi
For the capital, the IMD has put out a yellow alert. It warns of light to moderate rain accompanied by a thunderstorm, lightning and strong winds. The rain is expected to be widespread, covering most parts of the city. During the storm, winds are likely to blow at 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, while gusts in some pockets could touch 50 kilometres per hour.
15 Flights Diverted at Delhi Airport
The impact of the weather was plainly visible at Delhi airport this past Sunday. Heavy rain and strong winds forced 15 incoming flights to be turned away to other cities. Of these, 10 were domestic and 5 were international services, all diverted towards Jaipur and Lucknow.
Why These Two Airports Struggle in the Monsoon
Delhi and Mumbai are two of the country's busiest and most important airports. Weather-related disruptions here during the monsoon months are hardly new. Delays, diversions to other cities and gate changes become common at this time of year. That is exactly why airlines issue such advisories in advance as a precaution, so that passengers can confirm their flight timings before setting off and avoid last-minute trouble.
