Adverse Weather Conditions Due to Cyclone Fengal Force Multiple Flight Cancellations, Impacting Weekend Travel for Tourists in Pune and Chennai : Check The Latest Updates

As Cyclone Fengal inches closer to Tamil Nadu’s coast, several flights between Pune and Chennai have been cancelled, causing significant disruption for travelers this weekend. The adverse weather conditions, which have been wreaking havoc across the region, prompted Chennai International Airport to suspend all flight operations temporarily, with services expected to resume once the weather improves.

According to information from IndiGo, one of the leading airlines operating on this route, six flights scheduled to depart from Chennai to Pune on Saturday were cancelled due to the cyclone’s impact. These flights included 6E 253, 6E 916, 6E 236, 6E 502, 6E 561, and 6E 183. Passengers who were affected by these cancellations were informed of the situation while en route to the airport, leaving many stranded without immediate alternatives.

A Pune resident, who was in Chennai for business, described his experience of having his return flight cancelled. “I was on my way to the airport when I received the news that my flight had been cancelled due to Cyclone Fengal. My colleague, also traveling from Chandigarh, had his flight cancelled as well. With no flights available, I plan to book a hotel room and wait for operations to resume,” he said.

IndiGo Airlines took to social media to inform passengers about the ongoing disruption. A post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “IndiGo has temporarily suspended all arrival and departure flight operations at Chennai Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Flight operations will resume once the weather improves, prioritizing passenger and crew safety. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for real-time updates.”

The airline also issued a travel advisory stating that due to the cyclone, several flights from Chennai, including those bound for Pune, might remain grounded until further notice. It urged travelers to check their flight statuses online for the latest information.

For passengers flying from Pune to Chennai, the disruptions were equally severe. IndiGo’s flight 6E 625, scheduled for departure from Pune at 10:05 am, was cancelled as well. While Air India Express’s flight IX 2660, which was set to leave Pune at 11:15 pm for Chennai, was initially reported to be on time, airline staff warned that this could change depending on the weather conditions in the hours leading up to departure.

“We are monitoring the weather closely and will provide more information by 5 pm today,” said an Air India representative at Pune Airport. “Given the volatile conditions, there might be delays or further cancellations as the cyclone intensifies.”

Cyclone Fengal, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, has been moving unusually slowly and is expected to make landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The slow movement of the cyclone has already brought about heavy rainfall and strong winds, particularly impacting the southern parts of India. Local authorities have issued red alerts, urging residents and travelers to stay indoors until the storm passes.

The delay in the cyclone’s movement has led to significant disruptions in both air and ground transportation. In addition to flight cancellations, many local trains and buses have been delayed or rerouted due to flooded roads and fallen trees. The heavy rains have also caused waterlogging in low-lying areas, particularly in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Travelers have been advised to remain patient and stay updated on the situation through airline and government advisories. Both airlines and the airport authorities have assured that the safety of passengers remains their top priority, and measures are being taken to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

For passengers whose flights have been affected, airlines like IndiGo are offering assistance in the form of rebooking options on available flights or providing accommodation for those stranded due to the cancellations. “We are committed to ensuring that our passengers are taken care of during these unforeseen disruptions,” said an IndiGo spokesperson.

The cyclone’s effects have also rippled through other sectors of transportation in the region, with both the Chennai Port and Chennai International Airport facing operational delays. Despite this, authorities are working to ensure that relief efforts, including emergency services and supplies, can be effectively deployed.

For those whose travel plans have been disrupted, the key advice is to remain flexible and patient while airlines and authorities continue to monitor and respond to the evolving situation. Passengers are encouraged to check flight statuses and weather reports frequently to stay informed.

As Cyclone Fengal continues to impact Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to transport systems, and airlines have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of their passengers. While this weekend’s travel plans have been severely impacted, travel across the region should resume once the cyclone passes, allowing for smoother operations by the beginning of next week.