Continuous and heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc on flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, leading major airlines to issue advisories to passengers. The severe weather conditions have caused significant disruptions, including delays and temporary suspensions of flights.
IndiGo has reported periodic delays in its flight schedules due to the relentless rain. The low-cost carrier is working diligently to manage operations and minimize delays. “We are relentlessly working to ensure smooth operations and expect these delays to significantly reduce once the weather improves,” IndiGo stated. The airline has urged passengers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
Air India has also alerted travelers to potential disruptions. The airline warned that “flights to and from Mumbai may get affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement.” Passengers are advised to keep updated on their flight status to stay informed about any changes.
Similarly, SpiceJet has expressed concerns about the impact of adverse weather on its operations. The airline noted that “all departures and arrivals, as well as their consequential flights, at Mumbai airport might be impacted due to the adverse weather conditions.” SpiceJet has encouraged passengers to regularly check their flight status for the latest updates.
The heavy rainfall, accompanied by poor visibility and gusty winds, led to a brief suspension of flight operations at Mumbai airport on Thursday morning. Flights were grounded for approximately 20 minutes due to visibility issues but resumed once visibility improved to 1000 meters and Runway Visual Range (RVR) reached 1200 meters at 10:55 am.
In response to the ongoing weather crisis, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been closely monitoring the situation. “Since early today, I have been reviewing the ongoing heavy rain and flood situation in various districts of Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kolhapur, and Sangli from my office,” Pawar stated. He assured that the disaster management system in all affected districts has been instructed to provide immediate assistance without delay.
As the rain continues, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and plan accordingly. The situation remains fluid, and updates from the airlines and local authorities will be crucial in managing travel plans during this challenging weather event.