When you have to leave for your flight, and you see dark monsoon skies, does your heart skip a beat thinking whether your flight will be delayed or cancelled? Or if just drizzling will affect the timing? Stick around, and you’ll find out.
But if you’re in a hurry, the short answer is:
Flights can be delayed due to rain. Cancellation or delay of a flight depends upon several factors, including whether the aircraft can fly in such weather or not.
But there are times that planes fly regardless of rain. We’ll discuss why that happens and more in the following passages. This article was updated in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Rain typically doesn’t affect flights, and most weather conditions don’t pose a threat to the aircraft, except in the most severe situations.
- Airlines’ decisions on whether to delay or cancel flights due to bad weather depend on a variety of factors, such as aircraft availability, maintenance requirements, or staffing.
- Passengers are eligible for a refund if their flights are cancelled, but they will not qualify for compensation if the delay is due to extreme weather conditions.
- Passengers can experience bumps, thuds, and unexpected drops during flights amid monsoon skies, but it’s normal and nothing to panic about.
- It’s a good idea for passengers to prepare themselves for rainy weather when traveling, such as bringing waterproof jackets, comfortable shoes, and extra snacks or entertainment in case of flight delays.
Does Rain Affect Flight Take-Off?
In most cases, rain doesn’t affect flights. Most rainy weather conditions don’t cause any harm to the aircraft except in the most challenging situations.
If the weather is too severe, the pilot’s sight may be impeded, making departure risky and stopping the aircraft from flying. Heavy rain may even lead an aircraft’s engine to flame out in exceptional situations. However, pilots can usually re-ignite them.
If you’re expecting a smooth flight during the rain, don’t. Even the tiniest disturbance can cause your nerves to jangle. Bumps, thuds, unexpected drops, and strange ‘lifts’ are part of traveling amid monsoon skies, precisely the curly, cumulonimbus kind. Acknowledge that it is perfectly normal.
It’s like you’re driving in the rain, the potholes are annoying and disturbing, but your car will not fall apart if you hit one.
Why Are Some Flights Delayed or Cancelled Due to Bad Weather but Not Others?
According to an aviation expert, William McGee, all flights are affected equally by weather. However, all airlines do not respond equally.
Maintaining air safety is the primary goal when a crowded airport abruptly operates in stressed conditions because of the weather. Carriers are affected by a variety of factors.
Decisions concerning why and when a flight should be delayed or cancelled depend upon the availability of the plane, maintenance requirements, or the staff timing.
Do Airlines Refund Money If the Flight Gets Cancelled or Delayed Due to Weather?
You are eligible for a refund if your flights get cancelled, whether you booked a refundable ticket or not, but if the airline proves the situation to be extraordinary, such as severe weather, they will not have to pay you back for an unutilized ticket, but usually airlines will rebook you for the next flight that will be available for your destination without any fee or adding extra charges.
Also, when your flight is delayed due to extreme weather conditions, you will not qualify for any compensation as weather conditions are deemed “extraordinary circumstances” as mentioned in Article 5 III of Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004.
Conclusion
Rains usually don’t have an impact on the flight take-off. However, flights can be delayed or even cancelled in certain conditions due to extreme weather conditions. That’s because heavy rain can limit the pilot’s vision during the take-off and may even cause the engine to flame out in very few cases (but it can be re-ignited).
It is normal to have a bumpy flight during the monsoon, so you don’t have to panic over the slightest disturbance.
Moreover, the passengers do not qualify for a refund if the cancellation or delay in flight is due to weather.
Still confused about whether you qualify for a flight compensation or not? Visit this page to find companies that can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can rain cause flight delays or cancellations?
Yes, rain can cause flight delays or cancellations if the weather conditions are too severe. The decision to delay or cancel a flight depends on several factors, including aircraft safety and availability.
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How do airlines determine whether to delay or cancel a flight due to rain?
Airlines make decisions about flight delays or cancellations due to rain based on various factors, such as aircraft availability, maintenance requirements, and staffing. They prioritize the safety of the aircraft and passengers above all else.
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Do airlines refund passengers if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to rain?
Passengers are eligible for a refund if their flights are cancelled due to rain, regardless of whether they booked a refundable ticket. However, if the airline can prove that the situation is extraordinary, such as severe weather, they will not have to pay for unutilized tickets.
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Can rain affect flight take-off?
In most cases, rain does not affect flight take-off. However, in severe weather conditions, the pilot’s vision may be impaired, making it risky to take off. Heavy rain can also cause an engine to flame out in rare cases.
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What should passengers do if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to rain?
If a passenger’s flight is delayed or cancelled due to rain, they should contact their airline for rebooking options. Passengers should also prepare for rainy weather by bringing appropriate clothing and entertainment in case of delays.
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