From airports to IPL teams: Rain chaos sweeps across cities

Rain has disrupted operations at the Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), which is now India’s second busiest airport. According to April 2026 data, Bengaluru Airport handled 3.17 million domestic passengers, while Mumbai Airport recorded 2.89 million during the same period.

But over the weekend, heavy rains and thunderstorms threw flight schedules into chaos at Bengaluru airport, with at least 15 flights diverted and over 36 delayed due to poor visibility and bad weather conditions.

Several passengers flying out and to Bengaluru also took to social media to express their frustration. In a post on X, a passenger said, Air India Express flight IX2913 was delayed by over two-and-a-half hours and alleged that the delay was communicated only after he had already begun his journey to the airport. The passenger also claimed that a lounge denied him entry despite the delay, citing access timing restrictions.

Storm delays Gujarat Titans’ arrival

Delays were reported at airports across the country. The Gujarat Titans’ arrival in Ahmedabad ahead of the IPL 2026 final was delayed after torrential rain in north-western India disrupted flight operations. GT was scheduled to depart Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon via charter, but airport authorities reportedly could not issue take-off clearance due to the downpour across Punjab, delaying several flights out of the city. The team was expected to reach Ahmedabad only after 10 pm, adding last-minute tension ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Singer Ananya Bhat recounts six-hour flight delay ordeal

Singer Ananya Bhat recounted her stressful ordeal after her Bengaluru-to-Chennai flight was delayed for nearly six hours on Saturday due to rain and a technical issue. The singer was travelling to Chennai for a concert with Ilaiyaraaja on Sunday.

According to Ananya, the flight was initially delayed because of bad weather, but after passengers boarded, they were informed of a technical issue once the aircraft reached the runway. “The flight was supposed to leave at 5.15 pm but finally took off only at 11.15 pm. Some passengers got anxious because there were no proper updates,” she said.

The singer added that the lack of communication made the situation more frustrating. “I could have reached Chennai by road in five hours. They could have either cancelled the flight or at least given us clear information,” she said.