Heavy rains, thunderstorms lash Bengaluru; 20 flights diverted to Chennai, Coimbatore

Waterlogging at Yelahanka on Airport Road in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, on Saturday, found much-needed relief from the scorching heat as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the city.

Several areas witnessed intense downpours accompanied by strong winds, following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of light rain and thundershowers for March 22 and 23.

The adverse weather conditions, however, disrupted air travel, with at least 20 flights bound for Bengaluru diverted to Chennai, airport officials have confirmed.

BIAL sources told Moneycontrol that 20 flights were diverted from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) due to operational reasons, including two international and 18 domestic flights.

The international diversions involved IndiGo flights from Mauritius and Malé to Bengaluru. Among the 18 domestic flights, diversions included services from Bagdogra, Hyderabad, Goa, Port Blair, Agatti, Shirdi, Tiruchirappalli, Mumbai, Delhi, Durgapur, Visakhapatnam, and Aizawl, operated by IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.

IndiGo Airlines acknowledged the impact of the weather on its operations, stating on social media platform X that unfavourable conditions in Bengaluru were affecting flights.

"We encourage passengers to check their flight status regularly. Flexible rebooking options and refunds are available through our website," IndiGo stated, adding that their teams are working to resume smooth and timely operations as soon as conditions improve.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Unfavorable weather conditions have impacted flights in #Bengaluru, resulting in air traffic congestion. You may keep a tab on your flight status here https://t.co/TQCzzykjgA. We are here to support you and appreciate your patience. pic.twitter.com/cLAh81Xw6v
IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 22, 2025

The airline assured passengers that it was closely monitoring the situation and providing real-time updates.

Waterlogging caused slow-moving traffic in places like Ramamurthy Nagar underpass, Rupenagrahara, Varthur-Gunjur Road, Hunsmaranahalli (towards airport), Hebbal, Chikkajala, Yelahanka, and Nagawara.

The IMD has also forecast light rain and thundershowers in several parts of Karnataka on March 22. According to the latest weather update, isolated places in Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, Hassan, and Chamarajanagar are likely to receive rainfall. Bengaluru and its neighbouring districts may also witness similar weather conditions.

In addition, light rain is expected in parts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Vijayapura, and Raichur. The IMD has also warned of gusty winds ranging between 30-40 kmph over isolated areas across the state. However, dry weather is likely to persist in other regions.