Heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday forced Mumbai International Airport to suspend operations on all runways for one hour, severely disrupting flight services.
Runway operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport remained suspended from 10:17 a.m. to 11:17 a.m. As a result, several arriving and departing flights were affected. Passengers experienced an average departure delay of 75 minutes, while arrivals were delayed by at least 28 minutes.
According to the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com, 87% of departing flights from the airport were delayed, while 62% of arriving flights reached their destinations behind schedule.
Mumbai International Airport Limited said in a statement, “At approximately 10:17 a.m., heavy rainfall reduced visibility, and strong winds of up to 42 knots were recorded. This affected runway operations. In accordance with established procedures, runway operations were temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft, and airport personnel.”
The statement added that runway operations resumed normally after one hour once weather conditions improved.
Over the past 24 hours, several areas of Mumbai have recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall, while some vulnerable locations have received over 300 mm. The BMC has advised residents to remain alert and leave their homes only in case of an emergency.
