Bad Weather Causes Flight Disruptions Across North India

May 4, 2026, 15:50
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Severe weather conditions in North India caused major operational problems at Indira Gandhi International Airport and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.

Main Body

The problems began at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after a warning was issued about strong winds and thunderstorms. To manage the risks of wind shear and low visibility, airport officials changed the runway operational modes. Consequently, air traffic control had to limit the number of flights between 23:00 and 00:40. This led to 29 flight diversions—including 23 domestic and six international flights—and 12 missed landing attempts. As a result, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow became a main hub for these diverted flights. The airport handled between 2,500 and 3,500 passengers from 15 diverted flights arriving from cities like Singapore, Muscat, Phuket, and Kathmandu. Domestic flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad were also rerouted. This caused significant congestion, with some flights from Dubai and Chandigarh delayed by more than two hours. Furthermore, a flight carrying two deputy chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh was diverted to Bhopal after three failed landing attempts in Lucknow due to heavy rain and turbulence.

Conclusion

Flight operations slowly returned to normal as the weather improved, although some delays continued into the next morning.

Learning

The 'Connective' Upgrade: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. However, to reach B2, you must use Logical Transitions to show cause and effect.

Look at how this text moves away from simple sentences to create a professional flow:

*"...airport officials changed the runway operational modes. Consequently, air traffic control had to limit the number of flights..."

**The B2 Shift: "Consequently" vs "So" ** In A2 English, you would say: "The weather was bad, so the flights were late." In B2 English, we use Consequently or As a result. These words act as a bridge, telling the reader that the second event happened specifically because of the first one. It sounds more formal and precise.

🛠️ The Power Tool: "Furthermore"

Notice this sentence: *"...some flights from Dubai and Chandigarh delayed by more than two hours. Furthermore, a flight carrying two deputy chief ministers... was diverted..."

When you want to add more information that supports your point, don't just use "and" or "also." Use Furthermore. It signals to the listener that you are building a stronger argument or adding a significant detail.

Quick Comparison Table

A2 Basic (Simple)B2 Bridge (Advanced)Purpose
SoConsequently / As a resultShowing a result
And / AlsoFurthermore / MoreoverAdding important info
BecauseDue to / Owing toExplaining the cause

Example from text: "...diverted to Bhopal... due to heavy rain and turbulence."

Pro Tip: To sound more like a B2 speaker, start your sentence with these transitions followed by a comma (e.g., "Consequently, ..."). This gives you a moment to think and makes your speech sound structured.

Vocabulary Learning

operational
relating to or concerned with the functioning of a system or organization
Example:The airport's operational procedures were updated after the storm.
severe (adj.)
Very intense or strong, especially in weather.
Example:The severe storm forced the airport to close.
diversion
a change of direction or route, especially for aircraft
Example:The pilot announced a diversion to a nearby airport due to bad weather.
operational (adj.)
Relating to the functioning or use of a machine or system.
Example:The operational problems delayed flights.
congestion
overcrowding or a blockage of traffic
Example:Air traffic congestion caused delays for several flights.
warning (n.)
A statement that alerts to danger or risk.
Example:The warning about thunderstorms was issued early.
deputy
a person who acts as a substitute for another in a position of authority
Example:The deputy chief minister helped coordinate the evacuation.
manage (v.)
To handle or control a situation.
Example:They had to manage the risks of wind shear.
visibility
the distance at which an object can be seen clearly
Example:Low visibility made it difficult for pilots to land safely.
risks (n.)
The possibility of danger or loss.
Example:The risks of low visibility were high.
runway
a strip of land or pavement on an airport where aircraft take off and land
Example:The runway was closed for maintenance.
wind shear (n.)
A sudden change in wind speed or direction.
Example:Wind shear can cause an aircraft to lose control.
control
the power to influence or direct operations
Example:Air traffic control managed the flow of planes during the storm.
low visibility (adj.)
When it is hard to see due to weather conditions.
Example:Low visibility made it unsafe to land.
limit
to set a maximum or boundary on something
Example:The authorities limited the number of flights to reduce congestion.
officials (n.)
People in charge or authority.
Example:Airport officials made the decision to close the runway.
delayed
postponed to a later time
Example:Many flights were delayed by more than two hours.
runway (n.)
A strip of ground for aircraft takeoff and landing.
Example:The runway was closed for maintenance.
improved
made better or more favorable
Example:The weather improved, allowing flights to resume normal operations.
operational modes (n.)
Different ways a system can function.
Example:They changed the operational modes of the runway.
limit (v.)
To restrict the amount or number.
Example:They had to limit flights during the storm.
diversions (n.)
Flights that are redirected to another airport.
Example:There were many diversions due to bad weather.
domestic (adj.)
Flights within the same country.
Example:Domestic flights were rerouted to avoid the storm.
international (adj.)
Flights that cross national borders.
Example:International flights were delayed by the weather.
missed (adj.)
Not successful in achieving a landing.
Example:The pilot missed the runway on the first attempt.
landing (n.)
The act of an aircraft touching down on a runway.
Example:The landing was aborted after the first attempt.
attempts (n.)
Tries to achieve something.
Example:Three attempts were made to land safely.
hub (n.)
A central airport where many flights connect.
Example:The airport became a hub for diverted flights.
diverted (adj.)
Redirected to a different place.
Example:The flight was diverted to Bhopal after the storm.
passengers (n.)
People traveling on a flight.
Example:Passengers were reassured by the staff.
cities (n.)
Large towns or urban areas.
Example:Flights arrived from various cities around the region.
rerouted (adj.)
Directed along a different path.
Example:Flights were rerouted to avoid the storm.
congestion (n.)
Overcrowding or heavy traffic.
Example:Airport congestion increased during the diversions.
delayed (adj.)
Postponed to a later time.
Example:The flight was delayed by two hours.
deputy (n.)
A second-in-command official.
Example:The deputy chief ministers were on the diverted flight.
chief (adj.)
Highest-ranking.
Example:The chief minister visited the airport.
ministers (n.)
Government officials.
Example:The ministers were traveling together.
failed (adj.)
Not successful.
Example:The landing attempts failed due to turbulence.
heavy (adj.)
Intense or strong.
Example:Heavy rain caused turbulence on the flight.
turbulence (n.)
Irregular air movement that causes shaking.
Example:The plane experienced turbulence during the descent.
operations (n.)
Activities of managing flights.
Example:Flight operations resumed after the storm passed.
returned (v.)
Went back to a previous state.
Example:Operations returned to normal once the weather cleared.
normal (adj.)
Usual or typical.
Example:The airport returned to normal operations.
improved (adj.)
Became better.
Example:The weather improved, allowing flights to resume.
delays (n.)
Times when something is postponed.
Example:Delays continued into the morning.
morning (n.)
The early part of the day.
Example:The delays lasted into the morning.