Air India Warns of Flight Disruptions as Monsoon Hits Mumbai, Delhi

Air India told passengers flying to or from Mumbai and Delhi to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. The advisory came as the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai, with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected through the day. Delhi is under a yellow alert, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely.

The airline warned of potential delays, cancellations, and diversions at both airports. Passengers were directed to Air India's website for real-time updates.

The alerts follow a week of intense monsoon activity across western and northern India. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has seen reduced visibility and slower turnaround times in previous heavy-rain events. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which handles a high volume of domestic and international connections, is also vulnerable to thunderstorm-related ground stops.

For airlines, the immediate cost is operational: rerouting aircraft, accommodating stranded passengers, and absorbing crew-hour overruns. The longer-term read is on schedule reliability during the monsoon quarter, which typically runs June through September. Airlines with higher exposure to Mumbai and Delhi hubs face more disruption risk.

Air India's website continues to update flight statuses in real time. The IMD expects the rain to persist through the evening.