MUMBAI: Heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai on Tuesday, leading to significant disruptions at the city’s airport. A total of 11 go-around, including three repeat attempts and five flight diversions were reported.
Arrival flights were delayed by an average of 30 minutes, while departures faced delays of around 20 minutes. Airlines advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Typically, air traffic reduces after midnight. However, due to aircraft holding patterns and cascading delays, operations remained affected well past 2:30 am.
Earlier, IndiGo Airlines had issued a travel advisory for passengers flying out of Mumbai, citing widespread waterlogging across key routes to the airport. The advisory warned that sluggish traffic could lead to further operational challenges, and travelers were advised to monitor updates via the IndiGo app or website.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued a red alert for Mumbai, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Passengers were advised to plan their commute carefully and allow extra time to reach the airport amid ongoing disruptions.
Mumbai Rains Live Updates:"With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause. If you're scheduled to travel, we recommend leaving a little earlier and keeping an eye on your flight status via our app or website," read the advisory.
IndiGo teams are closely monitoring the situation to minimise disruptions, prioritising passengers’ safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
"Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to keep operations steady. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind remain our priority, and we deeply value your patience and understanding," added the advisory.
Amid relentless downpour in Mumbai, Akasa Air has also issued a travel advisory urging flyers to allow extra time to reach the airport. The airline posted:
SpiceJet has also issued a weather advisory for Mumbai flyers to keep a check on their flight status. The airline posted:
Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday issued a warning about the severe weather conditions in the state, particularly in Mumbai, due to heavy rainfall.
Waterlogging in low-lying areas
Mumbai received 177 mm of rainfall in just 6–8 hours, prompting the chief minister to urge residents to take precautions. With more showers and high tides expected, the IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in these areas.
"In the last 2 days, Maharashtra has received widespread rainfall. Red Alert and Orange Alert have been issued for several districts. Even for the next three days, until 21st August, half of the districts in Maharashtra have either Red Alert or Orange Alert. We discussed the precautions that need to be taken due to this," Fadnavis said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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