New Delhi: A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight carrying Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was unexpectedly diverted to Jaipur on Saturday night, prompting a scathing social media response from the leader. The flight, originally departing from Jammu, remained airborne for nearly three hours before being rerouted due to what was described as “congestion or disruption” at Delhi Airport.
Delhi airport is a bloody shit show (excuse my French but I’m in no mood to be polite). 3 hours in the air after we left Jammu we get diverted to Jaipur & so here I am at 1 in the morning on the steps of the plane getting some fresh air. I’ve no idea what time we will leave from… pic.twitter.com/RZ9ON2wV8E
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 19, 2025
Stranded on the Tarmac for Hours
Passengers, including the CM, were left waiting on the tarmac at Jaipur Airport into the early hours. Omar Abdullah shared a selfie on X, standing on the aircraft steps, visibly frustrated by the delay.
“Delhi airport is a bloody sh*t show… 3 hours in the air after we left Jammu, we get diverted to Jaipur & so here I am at 1 in the morning… I’ve no idea what time we will leave,” he wrote.
He later confirmed his arrival in Delhi just after 3:00 AM.
Delhi Airport Responds to Flight Delays
Delhi Airport issued an advisory on Sunday, citing shifting wind patterns as the cause of delays.
“Air traffic flow management measures are being taken to ensure safety… All terminals and runways continue to operate normally,” the airport posted on X.
Passengers were urged to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time updates.
Weather Woes Add to Passenger Frustration
Meanwhile, Jammu and Srinagar airports witnessed chaos due to bad weather. Hundreds of passengers at Jammu Airport shared visuals of packed terminals and cancelled flights.
Airlines issued advisories:
- IndiGo: “Weather conditions in Srinagar are impacting flight operations. Flexible rebooking or refunds are available.”
- SpiceJet: “All departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected.”