Heavy rains and thunderstorms wreaked havoc at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), now India's second busiest airport, over the weekend. According to April 2026 data, Bengaluru Airport handled 3.17 million domestic passengers, surpassing Mumbai Airport's 2.89 million during the same period. However, poor visibility and adverse weather conditions led to at least 15 flight diversions and over 36 delays, throwing schedules into chaos.
Passenger Frustration on Social Media
Several passengers took to social media to express their frustration. One passenger posted on X that Air India Express flight IX2913 was delayed by over two-and-a-half hours, with the delay communicated only after he had started his journey to the airport. He also claimed a lounge denied him entry due to access timing restrictions, despite the delay.
Weather Delays Affect IPL Teams and Celebrities
The disruptions extended beyond Bengaluru. The Gujarat Titans' arrival in Ahmedabad for the IPL 2026 final was delayed after torrential rain in north-western India disrupted flight operations. The team was scheduled to depart Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon via charter, but airport authorities could not issue take-off clearance due to the downpour across Punjab, delaying several flights. The team reached Ahmedabad only after 10 pm, adding last-minute tension ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Singer Ananya Bhat recounted her stressful ordeal after her Bengaluru-to-Chennai flight was delayed for nearly six hours on Saturday due to rain and a technical issue. She was traveling to Chennai for a concert with Ilaiyaraaja on Sunday. According to Ananya, the flight was initially delayed due to bad weather, but after boarding, passengers were informed of a technical issue once the aircraft reached the runway. “The flight was supposed to leave at 5.15 pm but finally took off only at 11.15 pm. Some passengers got anxious because there were no proper updates,” she said. She added that the lack of communication made the situation more frustrating: “I could have reached Chennai by road in five hours. They could have either cancelled the flight or at least given us clear information.”
