Flight Delays: Why They Happen and What You Can Do

Ever been stuck at the airport wondering why your plane isn’t taking off? You’re not alone. Flight delays affect millions of travelers every year, and most of them boil down to a handful of predictable reasons. Knowing those reasons helps you plan better and cut down the frustration.

Top Reasons Flights Get Delayed

Bad weather tops the list. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, or low visibility can force airports to halt take‑offs and landings. For example, Delhi’s IGI Airport saw 14 flights diverted on a stormy evening, with crews scrambling to re‑route planes to Lucknow, Bhopal, and other cities. Even a short thunderstorm at Eden Gardens threatened an IPL match and could have delayed nearby flights.

Technical glitches on the aircraft are another common culprit. A minor system fault can ground a plane for hours while engineers diagnose and fix the issue. Airlines prefer to wait rather than risk a safety breach, so passengers often get stuck on the tarmac.

Crew duty‑time limits play a silent but big role. Pilots and flight attendants have strict work‑hour caps. If a crew reaches its limit, the airline must find a fresh team, which can add a delay of 30 minutes to a few hours.

Air traffic control (ATC) congestion affects busy hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. When too many planes line up for the same runway, controllers stagger departures, pushing back schedules across the board.

Operational issues such as baggage handling problems, catering delays, or last‑minute gate changes also contribute. These hiccups may seem minor, but they cascade quickly in a tightly timed schedule.

Smart Tips to Reduce the Hassle

While you can’t control the sky, you can control how you react. First, check the weather before you leave for the airport. A quick glance at the local forecast can tell you whether rain or fog is likely to bite your flight’s timing.

Second, sign up for airline alerts. Most carriers send SMS or app notifications the moment a delay is logged. This heads‑up can save you waiting in the terminal for an announcement.

Third, arrive early during peak travel periods. If you’re traveling through a busy airport on a rainy day, a 2‑hour buffer gives you room to handle extra security checks or gate changes.

Fourth, consider flexible tickets or travel insurance that covers missed connections. When a flight is delayed, a flexible fare lets you rebook without hefty penalties.

Finally, keep essential items in your carry‑on. If you’re stuck on the runway for hours, having a charger, snacks, and a good book makes the wait bearable.

Understanding why flights get delayed and preparing for the most common scenarios puts you a step ahead. The next time a storm rolls in or a flight gets diverted, you’ll know exactly what to do and won’t feel completely out of the loop.

Delhi rains: IMD issues fresh Yellow Alert as three weather systems fuel two more days of downpours

4.09.2025 By: Aarav Bhatnagar

IMD has issued a fresh yellow alert for Delhi as heavy showers linger for two more days, driven by three weather factors. The Yamuna is above the evacuation mark for a second day, traffic is choked in key stretches, and flights are delayed at IGI Airport. Temperatures have dipped below normal, and air quality remains satisfactory. NCR cities are on orange alert with warnings of waterlogging.