Flight Delayed

Kuwait's aviation regulator has launched a new feature on the Sahel app, allowing air travelers to directly report flight delays, cancellations, and refund disputes. This digital service aims to expedite complaint handling and enhance passenger protection, simplifying communication between passengers, airlines, and authorities.

Over 100 SpiceJet passengers faced a grueling 13-hour delay on a Pune-Delhi flight. Initially scheduled for a 5:55 am departure, the flight was repeatedly rescheduled due to technical issues. Passengers endured long waits, with some opting for refunds and booking expensive last-minute tickets, while others spent over 16 hours at the airport.

Air India Express passengers faced a harrowing three-hour ordeal on a Pune-bound flight from Delhi due to a technical issue and malfunctioning air-conditioning. Flyers reported heat and suffocation as the cabin became uncomfortable, with the airline later acknowledging the problem and providing ground air-conditioning. The delay significantly impacted subsequent flight schedules.

Indian aviation faces unprecedented turbulence due to a perfect storm of factors. From pandemic fallout and engine failures to airspace closures and a Middle East war driving fuel prices sky-high, airlines are struggling. Passengers face rising fares and cancelled routes as the sector grapples with deep financial distress and operational chaos.

Lack of updates sparks chaos, 80 booked to fly from Bhopal cancel, flight departs at 9pm

Delhi experienced a dramatic weather shift Wednesday night with heavy rain and winds up to 98 kmph, causing a 10-degree Celsius temperature drop and hailstorms in several areas. This severe weather disrupted air travel, leading to flight diversions and delays. While temperatures are expected to rise again, the city's air quality remains moderate.

Indian flyers are often unaware of their rights when flights are disrupted. Airlines are legally bound by DGCA rules to offer refunds, compensation, meals, or accommodation for cancellations, significant delays, or denied boarding. Passengers must retain documentation and can escalate unresolved issues to AirSewa or consumer courts for redressal.

An impromptu demonstration by AIASL ground handling staff at Mumbai airport caused significant disruptions, delaying 31 departures and impacting baggage handling for numerous flights. The protest, organized by ABKKS, demanded better employment terms, including permanent status for contract workers and pending wage revisions. Management agreed to address the demands following the agitation.

India braces for volatile weather as the southwest monsoon nears Kerala on May 26. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and heatwaves are predicted across various regions. Coastal areas face stormy seas, impacting tourism and fishing. Meanwhile, North and Central India endure severe heat, with temperatures soaring, posing health risks to travellers.

Mumbai Airport will be shut for six hours on May 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM for scheduled pre-monsoon maintenance. Both runways will be non-operational, impacting domestic and international flights. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and plan accordingly due to expected cancellations and rescheduling.

Widespread rains, thunderstorms, and high winds are set to disrupt travel across India for the next five days. Northeastern and Eastern regions face heavy precipitation, while the South will see prolonged showers. Expect potential flight delays, train cancellations, and highway closures due to severe weather, including thunder squalls up to 70 km/h.

Delhi-NCR experienced a welcome downpour and thunderstorms, but air travel faced significant disruptions. Winds up to 50 km/hr impacted flight schedules at Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to advisories from major airlines like SpiceJet and IndiGo. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time due to potential delays.

May 2026 forecasts intense rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds for West Bengal and Northeast India, causing travel disruptions. Meanwhile, North India faces mixed weather with light showers and potential dust storms, while Central and Western India brace for heat waves. Travelers are advised to stay updated and flexible due to potential delays and hazards.

SpiceJet flights from Mumbai experienced significant disruptions, with multiple flights to Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad facing lengthy delays and cancellations. Passengers endured sleepless nights at the airport due to these issues. This follows a trend of poor on-time performance for SpiceJet, which recorded the lowest OTP among Indian carriers in March.

Delhi-NCR experienced a welcome, albeit unusual, downpour on April 29, 2026, breaking a severe heatwave. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds brought temperatures down significantly, signaling the arrival of pre-monsoon showers. While offering relief and a cleaner environment, this weather shift may cause travel disruptions, including flight delays and traffic congestion.

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Bhopal made a safe emergency landing after a technical issue mid-flight. The aircraft, carrying 166 passengers, circled Bhopal for 30 minutes before landing over two hours late. The incident led to the cancellation of the return flight, with Air India arranging assistance for affected passengers.

A catastrophic logistical failure on April 27, 2026, crippled Australia and New Zealand's aviation network, causing over 300 delays and 34 cancellations. Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland airports were severely impacted, leaving thousands stranded due to ultra-tight scheduling, bad weather, and staffing shortages. Travelers now face significant disruptions and must build in substantial buffers for future journeys.

Gaya airport is gearing up to implement a CAT approach lighting system, crucial for improving safety during those tricky low-visibility landings, particularly during the bustling winter tourist season. This upgrade aims to significantly reduce flight disruptions and enhance the travel experience.

On Saturday morning, an EasyJet flight to Malaga took an unexpected detour as it faced a notable delay due to the aircraft's weight exceeding safety limits for the conditions. In a show of cooperation, five passengers chose to disembark, enabling the flight to recalibrate and continue its journey.

This rant comes from an exhausted air traveller, who is still recovering from the trauma of spending almost as much time on a stationary plane as she did in the air.