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The mighty dust storm that hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening wreaked havoc at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Due to the poor weather conditions, more than 50 domestic flights were delayed, approximately 25 flights were diverted, seven were cancelled, and this led to hundreds of passengers being left stranded.

"We hear you" - Passengers have taken to social media to express their anger while airlines and authorities respond saying that they have 'heard' the passengers and attend to the complaints accordingly.  

Social Media Takes Center Stage During Confusion
Passengers took the Twitter and X accounts to show their frustrations over the lack of action from Air India. Users from X pointed out the follow issues:
- Staff providing no airline updates
- Display boards were offline
- No monitoring or update of real time flight information.

Passengers from on board claim, “Staff visibility is at a all time low, which adds to the disorder in terminal 3." Additionally, “New Delhi Airport functions in the most incompetent fashion and poorly manages information,” adding that it serves worse than a bus station.  

Airlines Responding To Complaints
Air India responded to social media with allegations of mismanagement and says:

“As we have seen your badge Mr. Lals account, there are severe and articulated climate conditions that we are bound to follow, but note that we strive our best.”  

Crime officials overheard saying while waiting for the storm out, “Some experts did get carried away over the excess of extra diverted flights that were later pushed into congestion just over the Friday evening Saturday rush going boarding and the Monday morning flight style."Travelers are instructed to confirm the status of their flights before embarking on their journeys.

Due to unpredictable weather, it is recommended that travelers do the following:

Monitor flights via airline websites or applications. 
Wait out at the airport.
Call the help desks of the respective airline services for possible cancellation or diversion information.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation does expect to evaluate the circumstance and provide additional guidance as needed.


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