Mumbai: Flight operations at Mumbai airport were suspended for an hour and Loksabha trains were delayed due to untimely rains coupled with dust storm in Mumbai.

A 100-foot tall billboard uprooted and fell on a petrol pump at Cheddanagar Junction in Ghatkopar area, injuring 35 people and trapping several others.

The airport operator said at least 15 flights were diverted to different airports and runway operations resumed at 5.03 pm.

"Due to inclement weather and dust storm in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for about 66 minutes due to low visibility and strong winds," the statement said.

Officials said 15 diversions were made at the airport until operations resumed. The airport had already completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance last week to ensure safe and smooth aircraft operations.

While the rains brought respite from the heat to residents of Mumbai and its surrounding areas, the sudden change in weather brought traffic to a standstill as commuters took shelter during the storm.

A BMC official said those injured in the billboard falling incident have been taken to Rajawadi Hospital, run by the civic body.