Why Did Chennai Airport Cancel 54 Flights Ahead of Cyclone Ditwah?
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Synopsis
Chennai Airport has cancelled 54 flights due to the impending threat of Cyclone Ditwah, which is expected to bring severe weather conditions to Tamil Nadu. With warnings of heavy rainfall and strong winds, the airport prioritizes passenger safety while preparing for potential disruptions. Stay updated as conditions evolve and plan your travels accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- 54 flights cancelled at Chennai Airport due to Cyclone Ditwah.
- Severe weather expected with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- Passengers should check with airlines for updates.
- Safety of passengers is the top priority of airport officials.
- Further cancellations may occur as the cyclone approaches.
Chennai, Nov 29 (NationPress) Authorities at Chennai Airport have declared the cancellation of 54 scheduled flights as Cyclone Ditwah strengthens over the Bay of Bengal and approaches the coast of Tamil Nadu.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts intense rainfall and strong winds in the next 48 hours, leading airport officials to deem these cancellations essential for the safety of both passengers and aircraft.
Cyclone Ditwah is currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the Sri Lankan coastline, and is predicted to move northwest, crossing the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry area in the upcoming days.
This storm has already escalated into a severe weather system, with wind speeds anticipated to increase further, prompting widespread alerts and preparedness measures across the State.
Chennai and nearby districts are expected to experience heavy rain and gusty winds, especially starting Saturday morning. The IMD has warned of possible disruptions to transportation, power lines, and essential services.
Due to these conditions, airport officials have halted operations of all ATR-type regional turboprop flights scheduled from Saturday morning through the night.
The cancelled routes include services to Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Salem, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaffna in Sri Lanka.
Both departures and arrivals have been affected, with airlines advising passengers to avoid last-minute travel to the airport.
An airport authority representative stated that the decision was made after evaluating the risks associated with cyclonic winds and heavy rainfall.
“Operating these ATR aircraft under such severe weather conditions poses risks. We have made this decision with the safety of passengers and flights as our top priority,” the official remarked.
ATR aircraft, being smaller turboprop planes, are more vulnerable to instability during strong wind conditions when compared to larger jets.
Officials have also warned that further cancellations may occur as Cyclone Ditwah nears landfall.
Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates, adjust their travel plans if necessary, and refrain from unnecessary movement during the cyclone’s peak impact hours.
With emergency services on standby and local administrations gearing up for potential flooding, the precautionary suspension of operations at Chennai Airport highlights the seriousness of Cyclone Ditwah’s anticipated impact on Tamil Nadu in the next two days.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize the importance of public safety during extreme weather events like Cyclone Ditwah. The proactive measures taken by Chennai Airport reflect a commitment to ensuring passenger safety, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of nature's unpredictability.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights have been cancelled at Chennai Airport?
Chennai Airport has cancelled 54 scheduled flights due to the threat posed by Cyclone Ditwah.
What is the forecast for Cyclone Ditwah?
Cyclone Ditwah is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Tamil Nadu over the next 48 hours.
Which destinations are affected by the flight cancellations?
Affected destinations include Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Salem, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaffna in Sri Lanka.
What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled?
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and to consider rescheduling their travel plans.
What safety measures are being taken at Chennai Airport?
Chennai Airport authorities have suspended operations of all ATR-type regional turboprop flights and are monitoring the situation closely.
