Delhi Airport Technical Glitch Sparks Chaos: 800+ Flights Delayed, Multiple Cities Affected

Thousands of travelers faced chaos on Tuesday as a major technical failure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) disrupted over 800 flights, with cascading delays in Mumbai, Jaipur, and Lucknow. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the glitch has been fixed, but passenger outrage continues. Here’s what happened.

What Caused the Delhi Airport Disruptions?

The crisis began early morning when the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system—a vital tool for coordinating flights—crashed. This system manages real-time data between airlines, air traffic control, and ground staff. Its failure led to:
– Severe take-off/landing delays (up to 5–6 hours)
– Cancellations and missed connections, especially for international travelers
– Nationwide ripple effects, hitting Mumbai, Jaipur, and Lucknow airports hardest

Passenger Struggles: Long Queues, Anger Over Compensation

• Delhi Airport: Crowded terminals, frantic passengers, and overwhelmed help desks.
• Other Cities: Flights to/from Delhi delayed by 2–4 hours; social media flooded with complaints.
• Airlines Under Fire: Travelers demanded compensation for poor communication and long waits.

AAI’s Explanation and Fix

The AAI attributed the issue to a “server-related failure” and restored operations by afternoon. In a statement, they apologized but faced criticism for lacking backup systems.

Airlines’ Response: Advisories and Rescheduling

• IndiGo, Air India, Vistara urged passengers to verify flight statuses.
• Limited rescheduling options; customer care lines overloaded.

Aviation Experts Highlight Systemic Risks

Industry analysts warned that such failures damage India’s reputation as an aviation hub. “Delhi’s outdated infrastructure needs urgent upgrades,” said one expert.

Government Action: Ministry Seeks Report

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted regrets and promised preventive measures. The DGCA may review compensation policies.

Passenger Rights: What You’re Entitled To

• 3+ hour delay? Airlines must provide meals.
• 6+ hours? Compensation under DGCA rules.
• Pro Tip: Always check flight status before heading to the airport.

Bigger Issue: Infrastructure Upgrades Needed

This incident highlights India’s pressing need for resilient aviation systems. While operations normalize, calls grow for accountability and better contingency plans.

Stay updated on flight delays and travel advisories here.