Heavy rain delays flights, leaves city road waterlogged

Heavy downpour for more than an hour on Wednesday evening affected the flight services at the KIA. The visibility on the runway was reduced resulting in the delay of flights with several passengers getting stranded at the airport.

Sources in the KIA said most of the affected departures were domestic.

However, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) spokesperson clarified that the delays were not drastic to affect the airport operations. Among the affected passengers were those heading to Kochi by Jet Airways.

A traveller said he had to wait for over 50 minutes and could see several other flights lined up on the tarmac.

Meanwhile, the sudden showers left several areas across the city waterlogged.

According to BBMP officials, waterlogging was reported from Wilson Garden, Mysuru Road Flyover, KR Circle Underpass, JC Road, Gandhinagar, Chickpet and Tharagupet and Shantinagar KSRTC depot. An official at the BBMP control room said: “One tree was uprooted in Palace Guttahalli.”

“The city has received 45.3 mm rainfall, and HAL airport has received 10.3 mm rainfall till 8.30 pm,” the Indian Meteorological Department said.

The people took social media to complain about the traffic jams after the rain. Traffic disruption during the afternoon was reported in the CBD area, Tumakuru Road, Mysuru Road, Shanthinagar Double Road, Bellandur, Hebbal and other roads.