KOLKATA: Twenty-one flights were delayed for anything between 35 to 40 minutes and some others were delayed for less than half-an-hour at the Kolkata airport due to heavy rain between 9am and 6pm on Tuesday. However, there were no cancellations, airport officials clarified.
“A total of 11 departure and 10 arrival flights were delayed between 9am and 6pm owing to heavy rains in this part of the city. The average period of delay was between 35 minutes to 40 minutes,” airport director C Pattabhi said.
Since morning, an intense spell of thunderstorm with moderate to heavy rainfall had continued over several parts of Kolkata and its neighbouring areas, including the area surrounding Kolkata airport. The intense rain caused major waterlogging on Jessore Road outside the airport, a one sq-km stretch of Haldiram’s on VIP Road and Chinar Park on New Town’s main arterial road, slowing down airport-bound traffic.
Vistara was even quick to issue an advisory at 9.44am, alerting passengers about the waterlogging situation outside the airport. “#TravelUpdate: Due to waterlogging on account of heavy rains in Kolkata, traffic congestion is expected. Customers travelling are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport. Thank you!” – the airline had tweeted.
Other airlines too said they reported some passengers arriving late as they complained of being stuck in slow traffic but they had allowed them entry considering the situation.
