As Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, its impact has started to disrupt daily life across Tamil Nadu, with air travel being significantly affected. On Friday, November 29, 13 flights connecting Chennai to various cities were canceled due to bad weather and operational reasons, making it a chaotic day for passengers at Chennai International Airport.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued alerts about the formation of Cyclone Fengal, and as the storm progressed, several airlines were forced to cancel flights to and from Chennai to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
Cancelled Flights Due to Cyclone Fengal
Among the affected airlines, IndiGo and Air India Express were the most impacted. Below is a breakdown of the canceled flights:
IndiGo Flight Cancellations:
| Flight Route | Scheduled Time | Cancellation Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai to Mangaluru | 7:25 PM | Bad weather and operational issues |
| Chennai to Trichy | 8:50 PM | Bad weather and operational issues |
| Mangaluru to Chennai | 11:10 PM | Bad weather and operational issues |
| Trichy to Chennai | 11:30 PM | Bad weather and operational issues |
IndiGo informed passengers that the prevailing weather conditions due to Cyclone Fengal forced the airline to cancel not only these flights but others connecting Chennai to Trichy, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam. The airline advised passengers to check the flight status online for real-time updates and potential rescheduling.
Air India Express Flight Cancellations:
| Flight Route | Scheduled Time | Cancellation Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai to Coimbatore | 7:25 AM | Operational reasons |
| Chennai to Bhubaneshwar | 7:45 AM | Operational reasons |
| Chennai to Hyderabad | 9:20 AM | Operational reasons |
| Chennai to Bengaluru | 9:35 AM | Operational reasons |
| Chennai to Pune | 8:45 PM | Operational reasons |
| Coimbatore to Chennai | Cancelled | Operational reasons |
| Bhubaneshwar to Chennai | Cancelled | Operational reasons |
| Hyderabad to Chennai | Cancelled | Operational reasons |
| Bengaluru to Chennai | Cancelled | Operational reasons |
Travel Disruptions: What Passengers Need to Know
With Cyclone Fengal causing severe weather disturbances, airline cancellations are expected to continue until conditions improve. Passengers who were scheduled to fly on affected routes have been urged to check the latest updates via their airline’s official website or customer service. Several flights from Chennai to Mangaluru, Trichy, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneshwar were also canceled, alongside return flights.
The airline IndiGo issued a travel advisory for passengers to avoid unnecessary travel unless it is absolutely essential. The advisory emphasized the need to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and advised checking for flight status updates regularly.
Why Were Flights Canceled?
The cancellation of flights was mainly due to the bad weather caused by Cyclone Fengal, which led to poor visibility, strong winds, and heavy rainfall in the affected regions. The operational disruptions were due to the impact of the storm’s wind speeds and rainfall on airport runways and flight schedules.
Impact on Chennai International Airport
The cancellations have caused significant disruption at Chennai International Airport, as passengers scramble for alternative flights. While the airport continues to operate, authorities are working closely with airlines to ensure safety and provide regular updates to travelers. The airport has advised all passengers to arrive early to allow for security checks and to stay informed about potential flight delays or cancellations.
Travel Tips for Affected Passengers
If you’re planning to travel to or from Chennai in the coming days, here are a few tips to help you navigate the disruptions:
- Check Your Flight Status Regularly: Ensure you’re up-to-date on any changes by checking your airline’s website or contacting customer service.
- Expect Delays: Due to weather conditions, even flights not directly affected by the cyclone may experience delays.
- Stay Informed on Safety Precautions: Airlines and the airport will provide safety guidelines. Follow these carefully for your safety.
- Plan for Alternative Routes: If your flight is canceled, inquire about available alternative routes or rescheduling.
What’s Next for Cyclone Fengal?
As Cyclone Fengal intensifies, it continues to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds across Tamil Nadu, with authorities warning residents and travelers to remain cautious. The storm is expected to make landfall on Saturday, November 30, causing flooding, high winds, and rough seas along the Tamil Nadu coast. The weather conditions will likely affect air travel further in the coming days.
With ongoing disruptions, it’s crucial for travelers to monitor local weather reports and make adjustments to their plans as necessary. Airport authorities are advising passengers to allow extra time for travel to the airport, as delays are expected.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution Amid Cyclone Fengal
As Cyclone Fengal moves closer to landfall, the aviation industry is facing significant disruptions. 13 flights were canceled on November 29 due to bad weather and operational reasons, with more cancellations likely as the storm progresses. Chennai International Airport is working hard to keep travelers informed and ensure safe operations.
Passengers planning to travel in the coming days are urged to stay updated on the cyclone’s developments and prepare for potential delays. IndiGo, Air India Express, and other airlines are doing their best to assist affected passengers and ensure safety during this challenging period.