Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Mumbai-Ahmedabad Flights, Passengers Stranded

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Monday threw flight operations into chaos, impacting schedules at both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. According to airport officials, a total of 16 flights on the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad route were affected throughout the day due to severe weather conditions.

At the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, seven flights departing for Mumbai were delayed, with wait times ranging from one to three hours. In a more severe case, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was cancelled altogether, leaving several passengers stranded and frustrated.

Sources at Ahmedabad airport confirmed that the disruption stemmed from widespread rainfall across Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, which affected air traffic throughout the region. Operations of major airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India were hit by the weather-related delays.

Passengers affected by the cancellations and long delays expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication and assistance. Some had reached the airport hours in advance, only to be informed of the delays at the last moment. A few reportedly engaged in heated arguments with airline staff, demanding alternative arrangements or compensation.

“I had an important meeting in Mumbai in the evening, but my flight kept getting delayed with no clarity from the airline,” said a passenger travelling with SpiceJet. “Eventually, I had to cancel my trip altogether.”

Airport staff were seen trying to pacify anxious travellers while coordinating with airline operations teams to provide updates. However, the unpredictable nature of the weather made it difficult to estimate accurate rescheduling times.

This disruption comes at a time when pre-monsoon showers are intensifying in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, where waterlogging and traffic jams were also reported in several areas on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall in the region over the next 48 hours, which could further impact air travel.

Authorities have advised passengers flying in or out of Mumbai to stay updated through official airline communication and factor in additional travel time due to potential delays.

Flight operations are expected to normalise gradually, depending on weather conditions. For now, airlines and airport officials remain on high alert as the monsoon season approaches in full swing.

AM.