Chennai rains, floods: Authorities have declared Chennai airport closed due to flood till December 6, 2016 in the wake of torrential rain and floods that have left the facility unusable, Airports Authority of India (AAI). With Chennai flood waters on the tarmac reaching ankle height and in some place even deeper, Air India, Spicejet, Indigo, Jet Airways, others suspended flights till further notice. Authorities had on Wednesday announced that the Chennai airport would be closed till 6 a.m. Thursday, but as the situation grew worse, they extended the closure of airport.
There are more than 3,500 people stranded at Chennai airport due to the floods who have nowhere to go. The airlines are saying that they are looking after all their passengers and providing whatever essentials they need.
The AAI’s decision also follows prediction by the IMD that Chennai rains will likely continue for next 72 hours over the city and suburbs with the next 48 hours being “very crucial.”
“Chennai Aerodrome has been closed up to 12 noon of the December 6, 2015. The situation is being closely monitored and any further action will be taken subject to review for resumption of services as soon as possible,” the AAI, which runs the airport, said in statement today.
SpiceJet’s Chief Administrative Officer G P Gupta said four aircraft have been kept on standby at the Chennai airport and would be available when normal operations resume.
“All our operations at the Chennai airport have been suspended till further instructions as the airport is waterlogged and tarmac is submerged in one-and-a-half feet of water,” Gupta said in a statement.
Refunds have been offered to passengers of cancelled flights and alternatives have been provided wherever possible, he added.
Also read: Chennai airport closed due to rains, floods
Jet Airways spokesperson statement: Update 03/12/15: 1000 hrs
“Operations at Chennai airport have been suspended till 12 noon on December 6, 2015 due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall. In view of the prevailing conditions in Chennai and in the interest of safety of its guests, crew and aircraft, Jet Airways has cancelled all its flights to and from Chennai until December 6, 2015.
Jet Airways guests with confirmed tickets to and from Chennai between December 1 and 8, 2015 will be allowed full refund or complimentary change of booking to alternative dates, depending on seat availability.
Guests are advised to visit http://www.jetairways.com or call the airline call centre on (city code) 39893333 for information on their flights. Information on schedule changes is also available with travel agents.
At Jet Airways, safety of guests and crew is our top priority and the airline continues to closely monitor the situation in Chennai.”
