Chennai flight diversions to Bengaluru bring Trichy runway issue into focus

Trichy: As cyclone Michaung caused rain havoc in Chennai, there were plenty of flight diversions to Bengaluru as usual. This has again brought into focus the continuing inability of Trichy international airport, which is the closest to Chennai, to take in the diversions as its runway can’t handle wide-bodied aircraft.More than 30 flights, domestic and international, including those operated by IndiGo, SpiceJet, Etihad and Gulf Air, were redirected to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. Had Trichy airport handled these aircraft, passengers would have found it easier to reach their destinations in the state.Only one flight, Kuala Lumpur – Chennai, was diverted to Trichy on Monday morning, said Trichy international airport director P Subramani. All domestic flights operated to Trichy from Chennai were cancelled on Monday due to the rain. IndiGo Air operates five daily flights in the sector, he added.Flights from gulf countries not only carry passengers from Chennai and surrounding areas but also those bound for Trichy and surrounding districts, says H Ubaidullah, an aviation analyst. “If flights are diverted to Trichy, it would be easier to provide transport facility to the passengers to reach their destinations as the airport is situated at the centre of the state, he added.“All commercial airlines have alternative airports in their list to land during situations like cyclone or rain. Trichy airport has all facilities to handle flights diverted from Chennai except sufficient runway length. Expansion of the runway should be given utmost priority for Trichy airport,” Ubaidullah opined.

Cyclone Michaung: Flight operations resume at Chennai airport

Chennai airport, closed due to heavy rain caused by cyclone Michaung, resumed operations with the first flight landing from Mumbai. The first flight to take off was to Chandigarh. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated that the airfield was open and there was no water stagnation on runways and taxiways. Men and machines were clearing the slush and priority was given to stranded passengers. There were 21 aircraft on the ground.

Cyclone Michaung: 12 flights cancelled at Pune airport due to rains in Chennai

Heavy rains and flooding in Chennai have led to the closure of Chennai airport, causing the cancellation of 12 flights in Pune. Trains in Pune have also been affected. Pune airport officials are seeking more information from airlines. Six departing and six arriving flights have been cancelled, all belonging to IndiGo. The cancellations are due to bad weather conditions in Chennai caused by cyclone Michaung.

33 flights diverted from Chennai to Bengaluru due to cyclone Michaung impact

Due to heavy rains caused by a cyclonic storm, 33 flights from Chennai were redirected to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), managed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Domestic and international flights operated by Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Lufthansa, and Gulf Air were among those diverted. Chennai airport suspended operations until 11pm on Monday, resulting in the cancellation of 70 flights. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights. So far, 33 flights have landed at KIA from Chennai.