IndiGo flight operations were disrupted in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chennai on Monday, November 2, as adverse weather conditions associated with the Cyclone Murasu warning affected air travel in the region.
As many as 10 IndiGo flights scheduled to operate from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada were cancelled, affecting passengers travelling to and from the city. Airport authorities confirmed the cancellations and advised passengers to check with the airline for updates before heading to the airport.
Flight services were also affected in Visakhapatnam. IndiGo said operations in the city had been disrupted due to unfavourable weather conditions and cautioned passengers about possible delays.
IndiGo Issues Travel Advisory Amid Weather Disruptions
In its travel advisory issued on Monday, IndiGo warned passengers of extended waiting times, both on the ground and on board, due to the prevailing weather conditions.
The airline acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruption and urged passengers to remain patient. It also advised travellers to check their flight status and the latest updates through its official website before leaving for the airport.
IndiGo said its crew members and ground teams were assisting passengers during the disruption and working to make waiting arrangements as comfortable as possible.
Airport authorities also advised passengers to confirm their flight status with the respective airline before proceeding to the airport, as precautionary measures were being taken in view of the cyclone threat.
Chennai Airport Announces Cancellation of 11 Flights
Chennai Airport authorities also announced the cancellation of 11 flights on Monday due to adverse weather conditions.
The cancelled flights included services connecting Chennai with Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli.
The list of cancelled flights is as follows:
- 6E7304: Vijayawada–Chennai
- 6E7305: Chennai–Vijayawada
- 6E7306: Vijayawada–Chennai
- 6E7365: Chennai–Rajahmundry
- 6E7366: Rajahmundry–Chennai
- 6E7398: Kadapa–Chennai
- 6E7397: Chennai–Kadapa
- 6E7357: Chennai–Tiruchirappalli
- 6E7358: Tiruchirappalli–Chennai
- 6E7363: Chennai–Tiruchirappalli
- 6E7364: Tiruchirappalli–Chennai
Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for further information and assistance.
Heavy Rainfall Batters Chennai, Orange Alert Issued
Several parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts have been receiving heavy rainfall since Sunday night.
According to an official, Madhavaram recorded 11 cm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Monday morning, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam each recorded 10 cm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chennai. Authorities have also declared a holiday for schools in the city on Monday in view of the weather conditions.
Cyclone Murasu Likely to Make Landfall Along Andhra Pradesh Coast
The IMD has forecast that Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast late Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the storm is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.
The weather department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall, across the South Coastal and Central Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh on November 2. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also likely in several areas on November 3 and 4.
The cyclone moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 25 kmph during the six hours preceding the IMD’s 5.30 am bulletin on Monday. It was centred near latitude 13.9°N and longitude 81.8°E.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday and directed officials to remain prepared to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.
The Chief Minister also reviewed cyclone preparedness and relief and restoration measures following the recent impact of Cyclone Arnab.