Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
• Heavy monsoon rains and strong winds disrupted operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), leading to the cancellation of 17 flights and delays affecting more than 200 services.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the possibility of flooding and transport disruptions.
• Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight schedules before heading to the airport, while authorities monitored operations closely.
• Despite the disruptions, airport authorities continued operations with precautionary measures, while emergency agencies remained on high alert as forecasts indicated continued heavy rainfall across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Heavy monsoon rainfall and strong winds severely disrupted flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), causing widespread delays and cancellations as intense weather conditions swept across the city and surrounding regions. Airport authorities, airlines and emergency agencies remained on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, flooding and gusty winds across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
According to airport officials, 17 flights were cancelled, while more than 200 flights experienced delays as poor visibility, heavy rain and strong crosswinds affected aircraft movements. Adverse weather conditions reduced operational efficiency at one of India's busiest airports, forcing airlines to revise schedules and issue passenger advisories throughout the day. Airport operations continued, but authorities acknowledged that weather-related disruptions could persist as rainfall intensified.
The IMD warned that Mumbai, Thane and neighbouring districts could witness exceptionally heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds reaching 80–90 kmph. The weather agency cautioned that the conditions could trigger urban flooding, waterlogging, overflowing drains and traffic disruptions across the metropolitan region. Local authorities also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors wherever possible until weather conditions improved.
Major domestic airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories requesting passengers to verify the latest flight status before leaving for the airport. Several carriers warned that both departures and arrivals could continue to face delays or cancellations depending on changing weather conditions. Airlines also advised passengers to allow additional travel time due to congestion on roads leading to the airport and possible disruptions to public transport services.
The impact of the heavy rainfall extended beyond aviation. Waterlogging at several locations affected road traffic, while suburban rail services experienced delays due to flooded tracks in low-lying areas. Civic authorities deployed emergency response teams across vulnerable zones and activated control rooms to monitor flooding, fallen trees and infrastructure damage. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged citizens to report emergencies through dedicated helplines and follow official advisories.
Airport authorities continued coordinating closely with airlines, air traffic control and weather agencies to minimise operational disruptions. Flight schedules were adjusted dynamically based on changing weather conditions, while emergency response teams remained stationed across the airport to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational readiness. Despite the disruptions, officials confirmed that airport operations were continuing with precautionary measures rather than being suspended entirely.
The latest disruption highlights the challenges faced by Mumbai's transport infrastructure during the peak monsoon season. As one of India's busiest aviation hubs handling hundreds of daily aircraft movements, CSMIA remains particularly vulnerable to periods of intense rainfall and low visibility. While improved drainage systems and operational protocols have enhanced resilience over the years, extreme weather events continue to affect airport efficiency during heavy monsoon spells.
With forecasts indicating continued heavy rainfall over the coming days, authorities have advised passengers to monitor airline notifications, check flight schedules regularly and plan additional travel time before heading to the airport. Officials also stated that operational decisions would continue to prioritise passenger safety while ensuring the maximum possible continuity of air services amid the adverse weather conditions.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
