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Chennai: Over a thousand flights connecting Chennai were cancelled since yesterday after heavy downpour triggered by Cyclone Michaung forced shut the city airport. While IndiGo had to cancel 550 flights, Vistara cancelled 10 flights from Chennai yesterday. Besides flights, suburban train services have also been impacted owing to waterlogging in several areas.
The rain has stopped and Chennai now struggles to drain the floodwaters while the cyclone has moved towards Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has tasked all the officers and departments to be on their toes, ready for immediate relief and rescue.
Chennai airport had shut its runway for departures and arrivals yesterday due to adverse weather condition. IndiGo resumed its flights from Chennai around noon.
Cyclone Michaung unleashed heavy torrential rain in Chennai since Sunday night, inundating the city, cancelling trains and disrupting flight operations. The cyclone Michaung landfall has started near Bapatla on Andhra Pradesh coast after causing rain mayhem in Tamil Nadu.
Visakhapatnam airport is currently closed.
IndiGo also cancelled 60 flights today and has 15 aircraft – 10 A-320/321 and five ATR – parked in Chennai. These aircraft were grounded after the Chennai airport was shut down due to flooding.
To ease the inconvenience caused to affected passengers, airlines are offering waivers for cancellation and rescheduling. IndiGo, Air India and Vistara have been active in offering alternatives. Additionally, Air India has waived rescheduling charges as a gesture of sympathy towards its passengers.
Apart from disruption in air travel, train services were also affected by the cyclone, with passengers promised a full refund. At present, Cyclone Michaung has moved towards Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering landslides near Bapatla.
