Sudden Weather Change Causes Travel Disruptions
Bad weather in Delhi and the northern region on Tuesday morning led to delays and disruptions of several flights between Delhi and Leh. Passengers faced long waiting hours as strong winds and poor visibility impacted air traffic operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
According to officials, Leh-bound flights were among the worst affected due to difficult flying conditions in mountainous terrain combined with bad weather in Delhi.
IGI Airport Issues Travel Advisory
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued an official travel advisory urging passengers to check their flight status with airlines before leaving for the airport.
“Flight operations at IGI are being impacted due to bad weather. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules,” said a DIAL spokesperson.
Airlines Respond to Passenger Concerns
Several airlines confirmed the impact and asked passengers to remain cautious:
- Air India: “Leh-bound flights are currently experiencing weather-related delays. Safety remains our top priority.”
- IndiGo: “Passengers are requested to check flight status on our app or website before leaving for the airport.”
- Vistara: “Weather in northern India is causing intermittent disruptions. Our teams are assisting affected travelers at IGI.”
Flight Status: Delhi–Leh Routes on August 19, 2025
| Airline | Scheduled Departure | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | 7:15 AM | Delayed | Departure pushed to 10:00 AM |
| IndiGo | 8:10 AM | Cancelled | Passengers offered free reschedule/refund |
| Vistara | 9:05 AM | Delayed | Waiting for weather clearance |
| SpiceJet | 10:30 AM | On Hold | Monitoring weather conditions |
(Status based on official airline updates as of Tuesday morning)
Passengers Share Their Experience
Many passengers expressed frustration on social media about sudden cancellations.
- “We reached the airport at 6 AM for Leh, only to be told flights are delayed indefinitely,” tweeted Rakesh Sharma, a passenger scheduled to fly with Air India.
- “IndiGo cancelled our Leh flight last minute. Hoping for a quick refund process,” shared Pooja Mehra on X (formerly Twitter).
Why Weather Hits Delhi–Leh Flights the Hardest
Aviation experts note that Leh’s airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) has unique challenges:
- It is one of the world’s highest commercial airports (10,682 feet).
- Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, visibility is critical for safe takeoffs and landings.
- Flights often operate only in the morning window due to weather conditions in Leh.
When Delhi experiences poor visibility or high winds, Leh flights are disproportionately affected.
What Passengers Should Do
If you are scheduled to travel between Delhi and Leh this week:
- ✅ Check flight status on your airline’s website or app before leaving home.
- ✅ Keep extra time for security checks and possible delays.
- ✅ Stay connected with airline staff at the airport for rebooking or refunds.
- ✅ Consider travel insurance for routes prone to weather disruptions.
Outlook for the Week
Weather forecasts indicate intermittent rain and strong winds in Delhi NCR over the next 48 hours. Airlines may continue to face operational challenges, especially on northern routes like Leh, Srinagar, and Dharamshala.
Authorities have assured that once conditions improve, operations will be restored to normal.
FAQs
Why were Delhi–Leh flights disrupted today?
Delhi–Leh flights were disrupted due to heavy fog and adverse weather conditions around IGI Airport in Delhi and the Leh region, leading to low visibility and safety concerns.
Which airlines have cancelled or delayed flights on the Delhi–Leh route?
Major airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara reported delays and cancellations. Passengers have been advised to check directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
How long will the Delhi–Leh flight disruption last?
The disruption is expected to continue until weather improves. While some flights may resume later in the day, full normalcy could take longer depending on visibility conditions in both Delhi and Leh.
What should passengers do if their Delhi–Leh flight is cancelled?
Passengers should check with their airline for rebooking options, refunds, or alternative travel dates. Most airlines are offering fee waivers or free rescheduling in light of the weather-related disruption.
Has Delhi Airport issued an advisory?
Yes. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check flight status with airlines before arriving at the airport to avoid inconvenience.