New Delhi, Apr 7: The squall and dust storm in the national capital this evening forced diversion of 29 flights, IGI airport operator DIAL said in a late night statement. A squall with a wind speed of 81 km per hour hit the city plunging it into darkness followed by light rains.

Several flights were diverted between 5.45 pm and 7.25 pm. The flights which were diverted included one of Nepal Airlines from Kathmandu, a DIAL spokesperson said. The MeT office has forecast overcast skies along with the possibility of light rains, thunderstorm, and dust storm today.

On Friday a Delhi International Airport Ltd spokesperson said that there have been 24 diversions of flights due to the bad weather.

Furious passengers took to Twitter detailing about delayed flights:

Twelve of the 29 flights were diverted to Amritsar and eight to Lucknow, the statement said. The airlines took to their respective Twitter handles to announce the diversions.

In Lutyens' Delhi, the sprawling Raisina Hill complex, seat of the government and the bungalow zone, were shrouded by dust kicked up by gusty winds which was followed by light drizzle. The storm dipped the visibility, leading to vehicles plying on the streets coming to a standstill momentarily, while pedestrians rushed to seek shelter.