Adverse Weather in Mumbai and Dharamshala Affects Flight Operations as IMD Forecasts Active Monsoon Conditions Across Several Parts of India

The intensifying southwest monsoon has begun impacting air travel across India, with Akasa Air and SpiceJet issuing travel advisories warning passengers about possible flight delays and disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfall in Mumbai and deteriorating weather in Dharamshala have affected flight schedules, prompting airlines to advise travelers to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport.

The advisories come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several regions, raising the possibility of further disruptions to aviation, road transport and daily life over the coming days.

Akasa Air Issues Network-Wide Advisory

Akasa Air has alerted passengers that persistent heavy rainfall in Mumbai could impact flight operations across its network.

Since Mumbai serves as one of the airline's primary operational hubs, weather-related delays at the airport may affect aircraft rotations and schedules on multiple domestic routes.

In its advisory, the airline stated that while the situation is beyond its control, operational teams are working continuously to minimise inconvenience and assist passengers.

The airline has urged customers to:

• Check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

• Keep additional travel time for airport procedures.

• Stay connected through official airline communication channels.

• Monitor updates in case of schedule revisions.

SpiceJet Warns of Weather-Related Disruptions in Dharamshala

SpiceJet also issued a travel advisory after adverse weather conditions affected operations at Dharamshala Airport.

According to the airline:

• Flight arrivals may be delayed.

• Departures could be rescheduled.

• Consequential flights across the network may also experience disruptions.

Passengers travelling to or from Dharamshala have been advised to regularly monitor flight updates and remain in contact with the airline before commencing their journey.

Heavy Rainfall Impacts Mumbai Operations

Mumbai has been witnessing continuous spells of rain as monsoon activity remains active along the western coast.

The IMD has forecast:

• Light to moderate rainfall.

• Intermittent heavy showers.

• Cloudy conditions.

• Reduced visibility during periods of intense rainfall.

As one of India's busiest aviation hubs, even temporary disruptions at Mumbai Airport often affect flight schedules nationwide due to interconnected aircraft rotations.

Delays at Mumbai can subsequently impact departures and arrivals at multiple airports across the country.

Himachal Pradesh Faces Intensifying Monsoon

The weather department has also predicted increasing rainfall activity across Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the coming days.

According to the IMD:

• Rainfall is expected to become more widespread.

• Several districts may experience isolated heavy rainfall.

• Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely.

Districts expected to witness adverse weather include:

• Kangra.

• Chamba.

• Kullu.

• Mandi.

These conditions may affect both aviation and road connectivity in the region.

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Increase Operational Challenges

Apart from rainfall, weather systems are expected to produce:

• Thunderstorms.

• Lightning.

• Wind speeds of 30–40 kmph.

• Low cloud cover.

• Poor visibility.

Such weather conditions require pilots, airlines and air traffic controllers to implement additional operational safety measures, which may lead to temporary delays in departures and arrivals.

Passenger safety continues to remain the highest priority for airlines during adverse weather events.

Why Weather Causes Flight Delays

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms can affect aviation operations in several ways.

Key challenges include:

• Reduced runway visibility.

• Wet runway conditions.

• Air traffic congestion.

• Aircraft sequencing delays.

• Extended taxiing times.

• Temporary suspension of take-offs and landings during severe weather.

Although modern aircraft are designed to operate safely in adverse weather, airlines often delay flights to comply with safety regulations and operational procedures.

Ripple Effect Across Airline Networks

Flight disruptions at major airports frequently have cascading effects across the aviation network.

For example:

• Aircraft arriving late from Mumbai may delay subsequent departures elsewhere.

• Crew scheduling adjustments may become necessary.

• Connecting passengers may miss onward flights.

• Aircraft utilisation may decline during prolonged weather disruptions.

Consequently, even passengers travelling between cities unaffected by rainfall may experience schedule changes.

IMD Forecast Signals Active Monsoon Ahead

The IMD expects the southwest monsoon to remain active over large parts of the country during the coming week.

Weather forecasts indicate:

• Heavy rainfall across western India.

• Active monsoon conditions over Maharashtra.

• Widespread rainfall in Himachal Pradesh.

• Thunderstorms across northern India.

• Continued showers in several southern states.

The active monsoon pattern is expected to continue through the first week of July.

Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead

With monsoon-related disruptions becoming more frequent, travelers are advised to take extra precautions.

Before Travelling

• Verify flight schedules through airline websites or mobile apps.

• Check weather forecasts for both departure and destination cities.

• Keep airline contact details readily available.

At the Airport

• Arrive earlier than usual.

• Stay informed through airline announcements.

• Be prepared for revised boarding times.

• Keep travel documents easily accessible.

Passengers with connecting itineraries should allow additional buffer time wherever possible.

Airlines Activate Monsoon Preparedness Plans

Major Indian airlines generally strengthen operational readiness during the monsoon season.

Measures include:

• Enhanced weather monitoring.

• Close coordination with airport authorities.

• Flexible aircraft deployment.

• Additional passenger assistance teams.

• Real-time operational planning.

These contingency measures help minimise disruptions while maintaining safe and efficient operations.

Economic Impact of Monsoon on Aviation

Although seasonal weather disruptions may temporarily affect airline schedules, the overall impact on the aviation industry is generally short-lived.

Short-term challenges include:

• Higher operational costs.

• Flight delays.

• Passenger inconvenience.

• Additional fuel consumption.

• Crew rescheduling.

However, strong passenger demand and improving airport infrastructure continue to support long-term growth in India's aviation sector.

Weather Outlook

The IMD expects active monsoon conditions to continue over the coming days with:

• Heavy rainfall across Maharashtra.

• Thunderstorms in northern India.

• Rain over Himachal Pradesh.

• Continued showers along the western coast.

• Improving rainfall coverage across central India.

Travelers are advised to remain updated through official airline notifications and weather bulletins before planning their journeys.