Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday responded to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s tweet after his Delhi-bound flight was diverted to Jaipur late Saturday night. Replying to his post, the airport cited the diversion due to infrastructure work and unseasonal changing wind patterns.
“Dear Mr Abdullah, as you may be aware, we’ve issued several advisories regarding the unseasonal changing wind patterns in Delhi. Runway 10/28 has been closed for ILS upgradation since April 8, following consultation with all stakeholders and based on historical wind patterns,” the airport wrote on X.
In the same thread, the airport said these conditions can sometimes lead to flight diversions to ensure passenger safety. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused,” it added.
Abdullah, frustrated over the delay, posted a selfie from the Jaipur airport at 1 am, saying, “Delhi airport is a bloody s*** show (excuse my French, but I’m in no mood to be polite). Three hours in the air after we left Jammu, we get diverted to Jaipur and so here I am at 1 in the morning on the steps of the plane getting some fresh air. I’ve no idea what time we will leave from here.”
Later, he informed followers on X that he had finally reached Delhi just after 3 am.
WHY DELAYS AT DELHI AIRPORT
One of the main reasons for the recent delays at Delhi airport is the closure of one of its four runways for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgrade. This began on April 9, following which the number of flights that can land was reduced.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had said earlier this month, “Delhi Airport is currently undergoing essential runway upgrades. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any potential impact on flight operations.”
Also, unfavourable weather has made matters worse lately. Friday’s thunderstorms and rain, along with strong winds, affected flight operations across northern India, with delays continuing into Saturday.
Another reason for the delays is the recent shift of all Terminal 2 operations to the newly-renovated Terminal 1 on April 15.
