Mumbai rains disrupt air traffic: 50 Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet flights diverted or cancelled

Heavy rains and low visibility severely disrupted flight operations at Mumbai airport on Monday, July 8. At least 50 flights scheduled to fly to the country’s financial capital were cancelled or diverted to several other destinations including Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Indore.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has issued an advisory to passengers, asking them to check the status of their flight.

“Inclement weather at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai on 8th July 2024 has led to temporary suspension of runway operations from 02:22 to 03:40. CSMIA has deployed airport staff at all terminals to assist passengers and provide them with necessary assistance. As part of our commitment to passenger safety and comfort, CSMIA has also arranged additional seating and water for passengers. The airport is also in close contact with local authorities,” Mumbai International Airport Ltd said.

Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), CSMIA said, “In view of the adverse weather conditions and heavy to very heavy rain forecast, #MumbaiAirport advises all passengers to check their flight status with their respective airlines and leave for the airport a little earlier.”

Several airlines have issued specific advisories stating that several flights to and from Mumbai have been delayed, diverted or cancelled due to the heavy rains. Some airlines have offered the option to seek alternative flights or request a full refund.

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IndiGo Council

“Due to weather conditions and resultant traffic congestion, flights to and from Mumbai are affected. Keep an eye on your flight status,” IndiGo wrote in its advisory.

“#6ETravelAdvisory: Flights to and from #Mumbai are affected by heavy rains. To change flights or request a full refund, visit https://bit.ly/3MxSLeE or feel free to contact our team on site for immediate assistance. For flight status, visit https://bit.ly/3lpnChV,” IndiGo said in a statement on X.

Air India Review

Air India has also issued a notice offering full refund and the option to reschedule flights.

“Heavy rains in Mumbai are impacting flight operations and leading to cancellation of some of our flights. Air India is offering a full refund or one-time complimentary reschedule for confirmed bookings for travel on 8th July subject to certain conditions. For further assistance, please contact our contact centre at 011 69329333, 011 69329999.”

Vistara Council

Vistara also issued an advisory to passengers stating, “#TravelUpdate: Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement is expected en route to Mumbai airport today due to weather conditions. Customers are advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport. Thank you.”

SpiceJet Reviews

SpiceJet has also asked its passengers to check their flight status. The airline posted: “#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather (heavy rain) at Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to check their flight status via https://bit.ly/2tG9xBx.”

In another message, the airline wrote, “#TravelAdvisory: Traffic jams and slow vehicular movement are expected on Mumbai Airport Road due to heavy rains. Passengers travelling to the airport are advised to monitor real-time traffic and plan their journey accordingly. Check-in counters will officially close 60 minutes prior to departure. Necessary information has been communicated to affected passengers on their registered contact details (SMS/Email). All passengers are advised to check their flight status via https://bit.ly/2tG9xBx.”

The Maharashtra capital has been witnessing heavy rains since yesterday, causing massive floods in several areas including Worli, Buntara Bhavan, Kurla East, King’s Circle area and Dadar. Floods were reported on several railway tracks, leading to cancellations and delays of trains.

According to the BMC, Colaba recorded 83.8 mm rainfall and Santacruz 267.9 mm in the last 24 hours. Mumbai city received 2,547 mm rainfall, which is 27 per cent of the annual average rainfall during the same period. The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Ratnagiri till 4 pm today.