The airline advised travelers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and to allow extra travel time due to waterlogging and traffic.
Heavy rains in Mumbai continued to disrupt normal life and air travel this week. IndiGo on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, warning passengers about possible delays and cancellations. The airline said the downpour could lead to air traffic congestion and impact flight schedules.
“While we want your journey to be as hassle-free as possible, Mother Nature has her plans. With heavy rains expected again in Mumbai, there’s a chance this could lead to air traffic congestion and impact flight operations," IndiGo said in a statement.
The airline advised travelers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and to allow extra travel time due to waterlogging and traffic. “Any changes to your flight schedule will be shared via your registered contact details, so do ensure they’re up to date,” IndiGo added.
Flight operations at Mumbai airport suffered badly on Tuesday as heavy rains lashed the city. From Monday midnight to 7 pm Tuesday, at least 11 flights were diverted to other airports, while 24 flights were forced to abort landing before attempting again.
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Many passengers faced long delays, especially in evening flights, where arrivals and departures were delayed by almost an hour.
While travelers had difficulties at the airport, locals in Mumbai also encountered a number of issues. Substations in Kurla shut down, causing power outages in many areas of the city, impacting 1,000 households. There were additional power disruptions in Andheri, Jogeshwari, Kandivli, Ghatkopar, Vile Parle, and Mira Road.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) diverted 135 bus routes due to waterlogged streets. It was one of the highest diversions in recent years.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Mumbai has recorded its wettest August in five years. So far, the city has received 891 mm of rainfall, much higher than the monthly average of 560.8 mm. In August 2020, the city saw 1,240 mm, the last time rainfall crossed such high levels.
In just five days between August 15 and 19, the city recorded 837 mm of rain. This figure is more than the total rainfall received in June and even July, which is usually the wettest month.
On Tuesday alone, the IMD Santacruz observatory recorded 163 mm of rainfall in just nine hours. Chincholi in Malad reported 361 mm, one of the highest in the city.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Wednesday, warning of more heavy rainfall. Thane, Vasai, Virar, and Navi Mumbai also reported heavy showers. Some relief is expected only from Thursday, when a yellow alert has been issued, indicating a likely reduction in rainfall intensity.
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