Delhi rain fury: Over 100 flights delayed, airlines issue advisory; 4 killed as tree falls in Najafgarh

Heavy rain and a duststorm hit Delhi and the NCR early Friday, causing four deaths, severe waterlogging in several areas and disruption in flight services.

In Najafgarh, a 26-year-old woman and her three children were killed when the strong winds caused a tree to fall on a tube well room built on farmland. The deceased have been identified as 26-year-old Jyoti and her three children. Her husband, Ajay, has sustained minor injuries.

Three flights were diverted and over 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning. An official said two flights that were to land at the Delhi airport were diverted to Jaipur and one to Ahmedabad.

A metal structure collapsed at Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and several flights were diverted due to the inclement weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a red alert for Delhi - warning of severe thunderstorms and squally winds - which was later converted into an orange alert.

Passenger Advisory issued at 05:20 Hrs#DelhiAirport#PassengerAdvisorypic.twitter.com/aeAbNe78Cn

Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) May 1, 2025

The Delhi airport issued an advisory to flyers saying some flights have been impacted.

"Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight info," it said.

"Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience," Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the airport, said in a post on X at 5.20 am.

Air India also said that flight operations in parts of northern India were affected due to adverse weather.

"Some of our flights to and from Delhi are being delayed or diverted, which is likely to impact our overall flight schedule. We are doing our best to minimise disruptions," the airline posted on X at 5.51 am.

IndiGo a for passengers regarding the impact of severe weather conditions. The airlines have suggested passengers check their flight status and travel earlier to the airport.

#6ETravelAdvisory: A thunderstorm is expected in Delhi. If youre flying with us, were here to support you every step of the way. Please check your flight status before leaving: https://t.co/VhykW6WdB1 your safety and comfort matter most. pic.twitter.com/ZSC8cwVLYM IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 1, 2025

Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma visited several affected areas, including Minto Bridge, to assess the situation and monitor drainage operations. He posted on X: “Today, due to unseasonal record rainfall, water stagnated in some quantity at many places in Delhi. From 5:30 am onwards, I went to many places and took stock of the situation. On going to Minto Bridge, I saw that all four pumps were working and the operator was also alert. A pipe had burst and I have asked to repair it. In view of the monsoon, the cleaning of drains is being done continuously by PWD, MCD, DJB, NDMC, IFC.”

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also visited Majnu Ka Tilla, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in Delhi’s drainage infrastructure. “Delhi is in a very bad state and needs urgent improvement. It is an alarming situation and all departments and agencies must take today's rain as a warning to begin addressing areas prone to waterlogging,” she told PTI.

MORE UPDATES FROM DELHI

- A vehicle stuck at Minto Bridge Underpass as heavy rain causes waterogging in parts of the city.

- Heavy rainfall in Delhi leads to waterlogging in parts of the city. Dwarka Underpass flooded.

- Visuals from South Extension Ring Road show commuters struggling on waterlogged streets.

- Waterlogging was witnessed in Lajpat Nagar area.

#WATCH | Delhi | Residents of the national capital woke up to heavy rain showers accompanied by strong winds this morning.(Visuals from Shanti Path) pic.twitter.com/GTqPL8buy2 ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2025