The Cause: Monsoon Mayhem
Incessant heavy rainfall and strong winds are wreaking havoc on air travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'Orange Alert' for Mumbai, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the day. This severe weather has led to low
visibility and waterlogging on runways and surrounding areas, making it unsafe for many flights to operate as scheduled. The situation began escalating over the weekend and has resulted in significant operational challenges for airlines and airport authorities. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for schools and colleges and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.
Airports Most Affected
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is the epicentre of the disruption, with reports of nearly 250 flights being delayed or cancelled since Monday. The adverse weather is impacting both arrivals and departures. Pune airport is also experiencing significant impacts. While the primary disruption is in Maharashtra, the ripple effects are being felt at other major hubs like Delhi, where some flights were diverted over the weekend due to bad weather. An IndiGo flight was even captured on video performing a 'go-around'—aborting its landing—at Navi Mumbai airport due to the treacherous conditions.
Your Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you even think about heading to the airport, the first and most crucial step is to check your flight status. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have issued travel advisories urging all passengers to verify their flight's status on the airline's official website or mobile app. Contacting the airline directly is also a wise move. Given the road travel situation, with slow-moving traffic and waterlogging, allow for significant extra time for your commute to the airport. If possible, travel with only carry-on luggage to avoid potential chaos in baggage claim areas, which are likely to be overwhelmed.
What to Expect at the Airport
If your flight has not been cancelled and you must travel, be prepared for a challenging experience. Expect long queues at check-in counters, security, and boarding gates. Airport staff are likely to be under immense pressure, so patience will be key. Keep your devices charged and have a power bank handy. With numerous delays, you could be spending a lot more time at the terminal than anticipated. Pay close attention to announcement boards and airline apps for the most current gate information and boarding times, as these can change rapidly. If you find out your flight is cancelled upon arrival, head directly to the airline's service desk for assistance.
Know Your Rights as a Passenger
In cases of flight cancellations and significant delays, it is important to know your entitlements. According to regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines are obligated to provide assistance. For delays, this can include meals and refreshments. For cancellations, airlines must offer you the choice of an alternate flight or a full refund. While airlines might cite weather as a 'force majeure' event to avoid paying cash compensation, they are still typically required to provide refunds and care for stranded passengers, such as meals and hotel accommodation for overnight delays. It is always advisable to get a written confirmation of the reason for cancellation from the airline.
