Track monsoon flight delays easily

• Monsoon rains cause flight delays and cancellations for travellers
• Check IMD forecasts and airline apps for real-time flight updates
• Passengers can claim refunds or meals for weather-related delays

India's monsoon season is a time of lush landscapes and welcome relief from the heat, but for air travellers, it can bring a wave of uncertainty. Heavy rains and low visibility often lead to frustrating flight delays and last-minute cancellations.

Start with Official Weather Sources

Before you even think about your flight status, check the weather forecast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the official source for weather warnings and advisories. Their website and 'Mausam' app provide detailed, colour-coded warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and other adverse conditions for various subdivisions and districts. Checking the forecast for both your departure and arrival cities a day or two in advance can give you a crucial heads-up about potential disruptions, allowing you to make proactive decisions.

Your Airline is Your First Point of Contact

Airlines are now required to provide passengers with accurate, real-time information about flight delays. This communication typically comes via SMS, WhatsApp, or email, so ensure your contact details are correct when booking your ticket. The airline's official app and website are also primary sources for updates. Many carriers, like Air India, have specific initiatives for weather-related disruptions, allowing passengers to reschedule or request refunds directly through their platforms. Enable push notifications on your airline's app to receive the fastest updates on gate changes, delays, or cancellations, often before they appear on airport display screens.

Essential Flight Tracking Apps and Websites

For a more independent and often faster source of information, third-party flight tracking apps are indispensable. Services like Flightradar24, FlightAware, and FlightStats provide detailed, real-time data on a flight's status, location, and even the inbound aircraft's progress, which is a common cause of delays. Many of these apps can send push notifications about delays sometimes even before the airline officially announces them. Some apps also offer advanced features like augmented reality views to identify planes in the sky or historical data on a flight's on-time performance. Websites like MakeMyTrip and Ixigo also offer reliable flight tracking services.

Use Social Media for Real-Time Intelligence

In a fast-moving disruption scenario, social media can be an invaluable resource. Follow the official social media accounts (particularly on X, formerly Twitter) of your airline and the airports you are flying through. Airlines often use these channels for mass communication during widespread disruptions. Other travellers are also a great source of on-the-ground information. Searching for your flight number or relevant airport hashtags can reveal real-time pictures and updates from fellow passengers who may be experiencing the same delay, giving you a clearer picture of the situation.

Know Your Rights as a Passenger

Understanding your rights can significantly reduce the stress of a disruption. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), weather-related issues are considered 'extraordinary circumstances', meaning airlines are not required to provide monetary compensation for delays or cancellations. However, they still have a duty of care. For delays of two hours or more, airlines are generally obligated to provide free meals and refreshments. In the case of a cancellation, you are entitled to either an alternate flight or a full refund. If a delay becomes extensive or overnight, airlines must provide hotel accommodation and transport. If an airline fails to provide these, you can file a complaint through the government's AirSewa portal.