Delhi ATC Glitch Triggers Nationwide Flight Delays
A technical failure in Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) system on Thursday caused cascading delays, severely impacting Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. At least 21 flights faced 2-3 hour delays, stranding hundreds and revealing critical gaps in India’s aviation network.
How the ATC System Failed
At 10:30 AM, Delhi’s ATC—managing 1,300+ daily flights—experienced radar and communication failures, forcing reliance on backup systems. While resolved within 90 minutes, the disruption created a domino effect:
- Delhi-bound flights held at origin airports (Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru)
- Departures from Delhi delayed, worsening congestion
Hyderabad Airport Hit Hardest
Hyderabad recorded the highest delays:
– 21 domestic/international flights affected (e.g., Hyderabad-Delhi, Hyderabad-Mumbai)
– Passengers reported poor communication from airlines
– Social media outcry over lack of real-time updates
Passenger Experience:
“My 1 PM flight to Delhi kept getting delayed with no explanation,” said businessman Ramesh Kumar.
Airline Responses and Challenges
Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara faced operational chaos:
– Schedule adjustments spilled into evening operations
– IndiGo advised passengers to verify flight statuses pre-travel
Airline Statement:
“Delhi ATC issues impacted Hyderabad flights. We apologize and are minimizing delays.” — IndiGo Spokesperson
Aviation Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
Experts highlight systemic risks:
– ATC modernization lags behind India’s air traffic growth
– Backup systems need urgent upgrades to prevent nationwide ripple effects
Expert Insight:
“Delhi’s ATC is India’s aviation nerve center. Flawless fail-safes are non-negotiable.” — Kapil Kaul, Aviation Analyst
Passenger Rights and Compensation
Under DGCA rules, affected travelers may claim compensation for:
– Delays exceeding 2 hours (meal vouchers)
– Longer delays (monetary compensation)
Pro Tip: Document delays and file complaints via airline portals.
The Road Ahead for Indian Aviation
With passenger traffic rising, solutions include:
– Satellite-based navigation upgrades
– Improved crisis communication
– Faster contingency protocols
Thursday’s incident underscores a hard truth: When Delhi’s ATC stumbles, India’s entire aviation sector feels the shock.
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