Heavy rains in Telangana disrupted air travel on Wednesday, forcing multiple flight cancellations and diversions at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, affected both domestic departures and arrivals throughout the day.

Flight Disruptions at a Glance

Airport authorities confirmed that several IndiGo flights to Kochi, Chennai, Patna, and Ahmedabad, along with their return services, were cancelled due to unsafe flying conditions. In addition, 11 flights were diverted to nearby airports in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Nagpur. Seven of these flights were able to return and land in Hyderabad later in the evening after conditions improved slightly.

Passengers reported long waiting hours, with some flights delayed for more than three hours. Airport staff advised travellers to check airline websites or mobile apps for real-time updates before leaving for the airport.

Weather Warnings in Effect

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several parts of Telangana, predicting extremely heavy rainfall until Thursday. Hyderabad, along with surrounding districts, remains under an orange alert for “heavy to very heavy rain.”

According to officials at the Meteorological Centre, the intense rainfall is linked to a depression over the Bay of Bengal, which has brought continuous showers to the state since the start of the week. The rain has also caused waterlogging in several areas of Hyderabad, slowing traffic and raising the risk of flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods.

Impact on Travel and Safety Measures

Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in areas prone to flooding. For those travelling by air, officials recommend arriving at the airport early and staying updated on flight schedules to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

The Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department has deployed teams in vulnerable zones, while the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is working to clear blocked drains to prevent further waterlogging.

With heavy rain expected to continue, the situation at Hyderabad airport may remain unpredictable over the next 24 hours. Travellers are advised to plan ahead and stay informed through official channels.

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