Flights Disrupted at Chennai Airport as Cyclone Fengal Approaches Tamil Nadu
Chennai: Several flights to and from Chennai were disrupted on Friday as Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to make landfall later in the evening, impacted the region’s weather. The Chennai airport was temporarily closed until 7 p.m. due to heavy rain and gusty winds, which continued to worsen ahead of the cyclone’s arrival.
Air India informed passengers via social media that flights were affected by the inclement weather and heavy rainfall. Similarly, IndiGo issued a travel advisory, stating that multiple cities, including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam, were facing disruptions. The airline announced a suspension of flight operations at Chennai airport, citing the adverse weather conditions and advising passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates.
In addition to the suspension, a flight from Abu Dhabi (IndiGo 6E1412) that was due to land in Chennai at 8:10 a.m. was diverted to Bengaluru due to the worsening weather. Passengers were advised to stay updated on their flight status.
The Chennai Airport’s social media handle further confirmed the disruption, highlighting that operations would resume once the weather improved, prioritizing safety. Several flights had already been canceled or rescheduled due to the ongoing weather challenges.
Heavy Rain Expected Across Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is actively monitoring Cyclone Fengal using advanced weather radars and satellite technology. The cyclone, which was earlier moving west-northwest over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts later today.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been reviewing the state’s response, ensuring precautionary measures are in place. He mentioned that continuous rainfall is expected over the next two to three days, and the state government is focused on relief work. Camps have been set up to accommodate displaced residents, and other districts are being closely monitored for any impacts.
The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall across several districts, with the north coastal areas of Tamil Nadu expected to experience intense showers. In particular, isolated areas in districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, and Puducherry could face very heavy rainfall. Further downpours are expected in regions including Vellore, Thanjavur, and Tiruchirappalli, with localized heavy rain predicted in additional districts like Salem and Dharmapuri.
The cyclone’s impact is likely to be felt across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, affecting day-to-day activities as the storm makes landfall later today.
