On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, heavy rains lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to significant waterlogging and disruption, including at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Videos circulating on social media depicted the airport's terminal flooded, with staff members using buckets and mops to clear the rainwater. The downpour caused chaos and inconvenience for travelers, highlighting the infrastructure challenges posed by the city's monsoon season.
The heavy rainfall resulted in water accumulation within the airport premises, specifically at Terminal 1, impacting operations. According to reports, the cleaning staff were seen working diligently to drain the rainwater, while passengers navigated the flooded floors with caution. The Press Trust of India (PTI) shared a video showing the extent of the waterlogging and the efforts to manage the situation.
The adverse weather conditions also led to the diversion of at least 12 flights between 3 PM and 4 PM, according to airport officials. In addition to the airport, several other areas in Delhi-NCR experienced severe waterlogging, including key locations such as the Secretariat, Palam, and Mahipalpur. Traffic was significantly disrupted as vehicles struggled to move through the flooded roads. The Zakhira underpass was closed for hours due to the accumulation of water, with reports indicating that the water pumps installed to prevent flooding were non-functional.
The Delhi Airport issued an advisory at 3:35 PM, stating that flight operations were likely to be affected due to the inclement weather. Passengers were advised to check their flight status and stay in touch with their respective airlines for updates. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet also issued advisories, cautioning passengers about potential delays and diversions.
Despite the disruption, the heavy rain brought much-needed relief from the intense heat that had been plaguing the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Delhi and the NCR, predicting thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. The weather agency also warned of gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-70 kmph in isolated places. The rainfall recorded at various weather stations varied, with Safdarjung reporting 10 mm, Lodhi Road 5 mm, Pusa 41 mm, Narayana 15 mm, and Ayanagar 23 mm.
DIAL has implemented several water management initiatives, including the installation of over 350 rainwater harvesting structures and the development of a 16.6 MLD zero liquid discharge sewage treatment plant to recycle and reuse wastewater. The airport is also constructing two underground reservoirs, one near Terminal 1 and another near Terminal 2, to store approximately 9 million liters of rainwater. The airport also utilizes a state-of-the-art automatic landscape irrigation system to optimize water consumption.
