A sudden storm brought chaos to Delhi’s main airport. Strong winds, rain, and hail hit Indira Gandhi International Airport on May 15, 2026. Over 500 flights faced delays, stranding thousands of passengers.
The Storm Hits Hard
The weather turned bad fast in the evening. Winds reached 98 km/h at Palam, the area near the airport. This caused big problems for planes trying to land. Pilots had to deal with shaky air, making landings tough.
Rain and hail fell across parts of Delhi, like Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh, and Green Park. The storm cooled the air by 10°C after a hot day. This quick change caught everyone off guard.
Key Numbers from the Chaos
The delays affected both arrivals and takeoffs. Planes waited on the ground or circled in the sky. Here are the main facts:
| Detail | Number |
|---|---|
| Flights delayed | Over 500 |
| Flights diverted | 15 |
| Go-arounds | 6 |
| Strongest wind | 98 km/h at Palam |
| Other winds | 72 km/h at Safdarjung and Pusa |
Fifteen flights had to go to other airports. Six planes came close to landing but pulled up and tried again. Air traffic slowed to a crawl as the storm passed over the city.
Why Did This Happen?
India’s weather office, the IMD, explained the cause. High daytime heat mixed with moisture from a western disturbance. This setup often leads to fast storms before the monsoon starts. North India sees these events often in May.
The storm built up quickly. One minute it was hot and clear. The next, gusts hit hard, dropping hail and heavy rain. Airport teams had little time to prepare.
How It Affected Travelers
Passengers dealt with long waits at gates or on runways. Some missed connections to other flights, domestic or international. Airlines try to rebook people, but seats fill up fast.
Fliers from airlines like Delta, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines know this pattern. Bad weather at busy hubs like Delhi creates backups everywhere. You might end up staying overnight or changing plans.
Elite status or miles usually stay safe if the airline handles the delay right. The real pain comes from lost time and stress.
Tips to Handle Future Storms
Check the IMD forecast before heading to the airport, especially on hot days. Watch your airline’s app for real-time updates. Leave extra time if clouds build up.
If delays hit, stay calm and ask staff about rebooking. Keep your phone charged for alerts. These steps can cut down on hassle next time a storm rolls in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights were delayed by the storm at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Over 500 flights faced delays, with 15 diverted and 6 go-arounds due to strong winds and hail.
What were the strongest wind speeds during the storm?
Winds reached 98 km/h at Palam near the airport, with 72 km/h at Safdarjung and Pusa.
Why did the storm hit Delhi so suddenly?
High daytime heat mixed with moisture from a western disturbance caused the quick buildup of gusts, rain, and hail before the monsoon.
What tips can help travelers handle airport delays from storms?
Check IMD forecasts and airline apps for updates, leave extra time, stay calm, and ask staff about rebooking options.
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