Chennai airport closure: Etihad cancels flights to Indian city on November 30 amid Cyclone Fengal

This follows the suspension of Chennai International Airport operations till 4am (2.30am UAE time) on December 1

Published: Sat 30 Nov 2024, 11:59 AM

Updated: Sat 30 Nov 2024, 10:07 PM

By
Web Desk

Photo: File

UAE flagship carrier Etihad Airways has cancelled flights to the southern Indian city of Chennai due to the adverse weather conditions.

This follows the suspension of Chennai International Airport operations amid Cyclone Fengal.

The airline said that it has cancelled EY346 and EY347 between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Chennai International Airport.

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"We apologise for this disruption, and our teams are doing their best to assist with your travel arrangements," the airline said in a statement on its website.

If you are booked on these flights, please check your contact details are up to date by visiting etihad.com/manage. This will ensure we can update you via SMS or email with the latest flight information. The safety and comfort of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We apologise for the disruption to your travel plans," it added.

The airline also added that Etihad Airways' EY342 from Abu Dhabi to Chennai was diverted to Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). Subsequently, the return flight EY343 from Chennai to Abu Dhabi was cancelled.

An Emirates spokesperson confirmed one flight was delayed but there were no cancellations yet.

Meanwhile, authorities have extended the closure of the Chennai International Airport until 4am (2.30am UAE time) on Sunday, December 1.

Earlier, the operations were suspended from 12.30pm (11am UAE time) till 7pm (5.30pm UAE time).

India's flagship carrier Air India too has cancelled its flights to and from Chennai till 7am (5.30am UAE time) on Sunday, December 1.

The airline said that passengers booked on these flights will be offered complimentary rescheduling, accommodation on the next available flight or a full refund.

"Air India is also offering a one-time waiver of rescheduling charges to customers booked on flights scheduled to or from Chennai dated 30 November to 1200 hrs on 01 December. Passengers may visit our website at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/self-reaccomodation.html to select alternate options or call our 24x7 contact centre at 01169329333 / 01169329999 for more information," the airline posted on X.

Another Indian carrier Indigo too has extended its cancellation of flights following the announcement of the extension of the airport closure.

Earlier, the airline had announced cancellations and diversion of some flights.

"In case of cancellation, passengers can opt for a refund or rebook an alternate flight, through Indigo's website. The crew and airport teams are dedicated to providing all possible support and assistance during this time, the airline said in a statement.

Schools and colleges in numerous districts across Tamil Nadu were shut and at least 471 people had been moved to relief camps, according to Indian media. The forecast also urged fishing crews to stay off the water and predicted surging waves of one metre that posed a flood risk to low-lying coastal areas.

Fengal skirted the coast of Sri Lanka earlier this week, killing at least 12 people including six children.

(With inputs from AFP)

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