'Stampede-Like Situation' At Delhi Airport After Several Flights Delayed Due To Dust Storm: WATCH

Over 50 domestic flights operating from the IGI Airport were reportedly delayed, seven were cancelled, and nearly 25 flights were diverted due to the dust storm in Delhi-NCR.

Operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi were brought to a standstill after a severe dust storm swept through parts of the city and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday evening. This created a "stampede-like situation at T-3," leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for hours, and social media being bombarded with complaints regarding airline mismanagement. 

A report by the Times Of India stated that over 50 domestic flights operating from the IGI Airport were delayed, seven were cancelled, and nearly 25 flights were diverted due to the dust storm.

Passengers who were affected by the long delays and chaos at the airport took to social media to vent their anger. Several videos and photos of the airport have emerged since last evening showing visuals of overcrowded boarding gates, people carrying luggage on their heads, long queues, and some passengers even sitting on the floor while waiting for updates on boarding.

One user posted a video of the chaos on X, tagging Air India and PM Modi: "Ultra mismanagement and stampede like situation at Terminal 3, New Delhi Airport due to poor mismanagement by airport management and @airindia @PMOIndia @narendramodi please intervene immediately to save us from any big incident." 

Another X user expressed his frustration over the delays, saying "Chaos unfolds at Air India’s counter at Delhi Airport as frustrated passengers face delays and confusion. Airport staff struggling to manage the increasing number of complaints. #DelhiAirport #AirIndia #TravelNightmare"

Air India responded to him, clarifying that the flights were hit due to bad weather. "Dear Mr. Patil, we hear you. However, kindly know that the flights are affected due to adverse effect of bad weather. Please be assured that our staff is trying to the best of their abilities to assist all passengers. Apparently, we have duly noted your feedback for internal review," the airline said.

Several passengers also slammed IndiGo over constant rescheduling of flights.  

"@IndiGo6E the 6E 2198, indigo flight from Kolkata to Delhi got rescheduled 6times from evening. @IndiGo6E are you taking the passengers for granted?? People are already 6hrs late for this, are you going to refund the amount now??"

To this, the airline responded: "Further, the estimated departure time is 03:15 hours, as of now. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and request you to kindly reach out to our on-ground team for any immediate assistance and up-to-date information."

Delhi Airport, Airlines Respond To Passengers' Complaints

Delhi Airport responded to one of the videos posted online, assuring the concerned passenger that his issue was raised with the relevant team and that the on-ground team was working to minimise the congestion.

"We regret the inconvenience caused. Our on-ground team is actively working to minimize congestion and ensure a smoother experience for passengers. Additionally, we have shared your concern with the relevant team for their review," the airport's response read.

Meanwhile, IndiGo shared a travel advisory urging passengers to regularly check their flight status for latest updates and remain patient while the airline tried to ensure a comfortable journey for them. "While weather conditions in Delhi have improved, airside congestion continues to impact flight operations to/from Delhi," it said.