Dust storm hits Delhi, flights affected at IGI airport

Even as a dust storm brought some relief for the public at large in this metropolis that has gradually started sweltering ahead of the arrival of summer, some others were inconvenienced to a large extent. The storm hit at a time when office goers were set to head home and the high winds, dust and the following rain left them no choice but to stay indoors. Very few braved the weather to try and head home. Another segment of the citizenry that was also affected today were the people heading for the airport to catch a flight. Now, it has been revealed that flights have been delayed by at least an hour. This was announced by ANI. 

The dust storm had plunged Delhi into darkness and this had an effect on the traffic as the lights went off causing pandemonium in various large intersections across the city. To add to the misery was the fact that due to the dust, the visibility was down to a few metres and the assault of the wind and dust particles on the eyes had many people rubbing them to get relief. The effect in Lutyens' Delhi was spellbinding though as the major edifices were spectacularly covered by dust even as the drizzle tried to cut through the shroud.

As the visibility deteriorated, vehicles slowed down almost to a standstill even as pedestrians were seen rushing towards shelter. 

In an update, it was announced that as many as 24 flights have been diverted from Delhi airport to nearby cities due to the bad weather. Departures too are on hold till the weather improves.