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Bad weather impact: 15 flights diverted to Lucknow from Delhi, 2 cancelled
On May 4, 2026, a sudden spell of adverse weather across North India disrupted flight operations, causing diversions and delays. Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport emerged as a key diversion hub, with 15 flights diverted there and several international services affected, while two IndiGo flights to Abu Dhabi were cancelled.
Why It Matters
The disruption affected thousands of passengers and highlighted air traffic vulnerabilities to weather, underscoring the importance of diversion hubs and contingency planning in Indian aviation.
Timeline
8 Events
Incoming Delhi–Lucknow and Dubai-bound services delayed
May 4, 2026
Incoming flights were hit: a Delhi–Lucknow service and several Delhi–Lucknow operations operated by IndiGo and Air India Express were delayed by one to two hours; an international arrival from Dubai to Lucknow was delayed by over two hours.
Passenger load and scale of diversion
May 4, 2026
Passenger loads across diverted aircraft ranged from 80 to 230, with an estimated 2,500 to 3,500 passengers handled during the diversion phase.
AI-212 Kathmandu–Delhi diverted and lands in Lucknow
May 4, 2026
Air India Kathmandu–Delhi flight AI-212 was diverted and landed in Lucknow with 168 passengers and eight crew.
Widespread delays and international diversions
May 4, 2026
Around 20 flights were delayed during the day; international services from Singapore, Muscat, Phuket and Kathmandu were diverted to Lucknow.
Two IndiGo flights on Abu Dhabi sector cancelled
May 4, 2026
Two IndiGo flights operating on the Abu Dhabi sector were cancelled.
Lucknow becomes a major diversion hub with 15 flights diverted there
May 4, 2026
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, emerged as a critical diversion hub as 15 flights—including three international services—were diverted to Lucknow.
Delhi weather triggers air traffic restrictions and poor visibility
May 4, 2026
A sudden spell of adverse weather across North India caused poor visibility and gusty winds in Delhi, triggering air traffic restrictions and setting off regional aviation disruption.
UP deputy CM flight diverted to Bhopal due to bad weather; landing attempts in Lucknow failed
May 4, 2026
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Lucknow carrying UP deputy chief ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya was diverted to Bhopal after repeated failed landing attempts in Lucknow due to bad weather. The aircraft landed in Bhopal at 10:30 am and later reached Lucknow at 12:45 pm.