Cyclone Murasu impact: Over 20 flights cancelled at Andhra, Chennai airports

IndiGo flight operations were affected in Andhra Pradesh and Chennai on Monday, November 2, due to adverse weather conditions amid Cyclone Murasu warning the region.

As many as 10 IndiGo flights scheduled to operate from Gannavaram Airport, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, were cancelled, Airport Authorities said.

Flight operations were also impacted in Visakhapatnam. "Due to adverse weather conditions in Visakhapatnam, flight operations are impacted," IndiGo said on Monday.

IndiGo travel advisory

The airline issued a travel advisory, cautioning passengers about possible extended waiting times both on the ground and onboard.

In its advisory, IndiGo said that flight operations in the city had been impacted due to unfavourable weather conditions and urged passengers to remain patient amid the delays

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to passengers, the airline said, "We understand that extended wait times, both on the ground and onboard, may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience."

The airline also asked passengers to check the latest flight updates through its official website to stay informed about their travel schedules. "For the most up-to-date flight information, please visit the official website," the advisory stated.

It assured passengers of assistance during the disruption and said its crew members and ground teams were working to support travellers and make their waiting experience as comfortable as possible.

"Our crew and ground teams are there to support you and ensure your wait is as comfortable as possible. We value your time and are doing everything we can to help you get on your way as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued understanding," the airline said.

Meanwhile, airport authorities also said, “Passengers are advised to check their flight status with the airline before proceeding to the airport. The airline is taking precautionary measures in view of the cyclone threat and possible adverse weather conditions.”

Flights cancelled at Chennai airport | Full list

The Chennai Airport authorities said on Monday that certain flights have been cancelled in view of the adverse weather conditions. It released a list of 11 flights which were cancelled on Monday. They were:

6E7304: Vijayawada Chennai
6E7305: Chennai -Vijayawada
6E7306: Vijayawada-Chennai
6E7365: Chennai-Rajahmundry
6E7366: Rajahmundry -Chennai
6E7398: Kadapa -Chennai
6E7397: Chennai-Kadapa
6E7357: Chennai-Tiruchirappalli
6E7358: Tiruchirappalli -Chennai
6E7363: Chennai -Tiruchirappalli
6E7364: Tiruchirappalli-Chennal

Passengers have been requested to contact the airline concerned for further information and assistance.

Many parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts have been receiving torrential rains since Sunday night. Over the past 24 hours, Madhavaram recorded 11 cm rainfall, while Ennore Port recorded 10 cm. Nungambakkam also reported significant rainfall of 10 cm, an official said.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai, and authorities have declared a holiday for schools in the city today.

Cyclone Murasu warning

Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Murasu' over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast late on Monday night, or in the early hours of Tuesday (November 3), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest bulletin.

The landfall is likely between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 11.30 pm IST on November 2 and 4 am IST on November 3, the IMD said.

Due to the cyclone, moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall, is expected in the South Coastal and Central Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh on November 2. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely in several areas on November 3 and 4.

According to the IMD, the cyclone moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 25 kmph during the past six hours. At 5:30 am IST on Monday, it lay centred near Latitude 13.9°N and Longitude 81.8°E.

The IMD said the storm is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between midnight (2330 hrs IST) and 0400 hrs IST on November 3.

Last week, Cyclone Arnab hit the coasts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, causing severe loss of life and property.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday and directed officials to remain fully prepared to deal with its impact.

The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting on cyclone preparedness and the relief and restoration operations following Cyclone Arnab.