On Tuesday, low-priced carrier IndiGo said all flights operating out of Chennai were temporarily cancelled following closure of the airport. “Air India and some private airlines have agreed to operate 6 flights from Arakkonam tomorrow and the day after tomorrow”.
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However, air traffic services for the overflying traffic were not affected.
The Government had chose to use the Arakkonam facility for commercial flights temporarily as the Chennai airport has been closed until December 6 due to the floods.
Though there were no official reports about the reopening of the airport, information revolving in social media indicated that it might resume operations from December 6, subject to stoppage of rains. Along with Delhi and Bengaluru, Chennai has daily flights from Pune.
Bangalore to Hyderabad to Bangalore 1 flight. “The airline continues to closely monitor the situation in Chennai”, said a Jet Airways spokesperson. “We are hopeful of passenger flights landing there from tomorrow”, Defence Ministry sources said.
SriLankan’s codeshare partner, Mihin Lanka’s flights of December 4, 2015, MJ 129 and MJ 130 have also been cancelled, it was stated.
Airports Authority of India chairman R K Shrivastava in New Delhi said that around 250-300 passengers are stranded at the Chennai airport.
Chennai is confronting its worst crisis after overnight rain that has left most of the city flooded and people wading in nearly waist deep water. “Commuters have already started to cancel flights for the rest of this week”, said Nilesh Bhansali, director, Travel Agents Association of Pune.
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Proactive measures have been taken to inform the passengers about the cancellations and rescheduling of flights through phone calls, SMS etc. Refunds and alternative options have also been offered where ever possible. “Else, I could have got stuck in Chennai as so many others are”, said Sujit Bhatewara, a commuter.
