The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Mumbai, May 13 (PTI)) – Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were suspended for an hour due to unseasonal rains and a dust storm. Local train services also experienced delays. The adverse weather conditions led to the collapse of a 100-foot tall billboard at the Cheddanagar Junction in Ghatkopar, which fell on a petrol pump, injuring 35 people and trapping many more.
The airport operator confirmed that 15 flights were diverted to different airports during the temporary suspension. The runway operations resumed at 5:03 pm. “Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds,” stated the airport authority.
Prior to this weather event, the airport had just completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance to ensure safe and smooth operations. However, the unexpected weather brought relief from the heat but caused significant disruptions. Traffic came to a halt as commuters sought shelter from the storm.
Those injured in the billboard collapse were taken to the Rajawadi Hospital, which is run by the city’s civic body, according to a BMC official.