Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Stormy Skies: Thunderstorms Disrupt Flight Operations
Imagine big storms rolling through the sky over the airport!
These storms bring strong winds and can change the direction of the wind which confuses the planes.
These storms cause planes to have to wait, go around, or even fly to a different airport to land.
Sometimes, this means many flights are delayed, causing a ripple effect that affects lots of people.
Scientists say these storms are the most difficult weather to handle for planes, and can even lead to accidents.
Thunderstorms with strong winds frequently cause flight delays and diversions.
Over 75 flights were diverted in a single month due to storms at Delhi airport.
Wind direction changes during storms make takeoffs and landings difficult.
Thunderstorms are most impactful on aviation, causing turbulence.
Weather was a factor in 21% of Indian aircraft accidents from 1992-2008.
- Who
- Flights arriving/departing from Delhi airport.
- What
- Flights diverted or delayed due to thunderstorms.
- When
- Last month (May)
- Where
- Delhi airport.
- Why
- Thunderstorms, lightning, and wind gusts impact flight operations.
- Thunderstorm Wind Speed
- 50-80 kmph
- Peak Thunderstorm Season
- May to August
- Weather-related accidents from wind
- 16%
- India weather-related accidents 1992-2008
- 21%
- Global weather-related accidents
- 26-32%