Cyclone Fengal: Numerous airlines have issued travel advisories regarding their operations in light of the heavy rainfall affecting the region, as the storm is anticipated to make landfall near Tamil Nadu. On Friday, several flights to and from Chennai experienced disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, with Cyclone Fengal expected to reach land this evening in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Airport has been temporarily closed until 7 PM as heavy rainfall and strong winds persist in the area ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Air India provided an update on X, stating, “Flights to and from Chennai are being impacted due to severe weather and heavy rainfall.”
IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, indicating that flights in various cities, including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam, were affected. The airline’s post noted, “Current weather conditions continue to disrupt flights to/from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, with Tirupati and Visakhapatnam now also impacted.”
The X handle of Chennai Airport announced that IndiGo had temporarily halted all flight operations, citing the adverse weather. “IndiGo Airlines @IndiGo6E has temporarily suspended all arrival and departure operations at Chennai Airport due to unfavorable weather conditions. Flight operations will resume once conditions improve, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. We advise passengers to check with their respective airlines for real-time updates,” the statement indicated.
Additionally, the airport reported a flight diversion due to poor weather, stating, “IndiGo @Indigo6E 6E1412 (A320, VT-IPT) from Abu Dhabi to Chennai, originally scheduled to arrive at 0810 hrs, has been diverted to Bengaluru due to adverse weather in Chennai. Passengers are encouraged to check with IndiGo for further updates.”
Furthermore, the airport recommended that passengers verify the status of flights to and from various destinations with their respective airlines, as numerous flights have been canceled or rescheduled due to the ongoing weather difficulties.
Heavy rainfall is being experienced in various regions of Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is actively tracking Cyclone Fengal through the use of Doppler weather radars located in Chennai (S Band and X Band) and Sriharikota, in addition to satellite imagery.
In response to the impending cyclone, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a review of the state’s preparedness and precautionary strategies. He provided an update stating, “The weather department has issued a warning indicating that continuous rainfall is expected over the next two to three days. The Tamil Nadu government is diligently monitoring the situation and implementing precautionary measures. Reports suggest that the cyclone is anticipated to make landfall tonight… Relief operations are underway, and camps have been established to shelter affected individuals. Other districts are also under continuous observation. There have been no reported incidents thus far.”
