Cyclone Fengal’s menacing approach to the Tamil Nadu coast has thrown a wrench into travel plans, particularly for those flying between Pune and Chennai. The slow-moving cyclone, which is expected to make landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, has brought with it torrential rain, strong winds, and significant disruptions to air travel. As a result, several flights connecting these two major Indian cities have been canceled, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling for alternative travel arrangements.
One of the hardest-hit airlines is IndiGo. Six of their flights scheduled to depart from Chennai to Pune on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, were canceled due to the severe weather. These cancellations include flights 6E 253, 6E 916, 6E 236, 6E 502, 6E 561, and 6E 183. The airline proactively informed passengers en route to the airport, mitigating some of the chaos but still leaving many stranded with disrupted travel plans. One Pune resident, on a business trip to Chennai, recounted his experience, “I was on my way to the airport when I received the news. My colleague from Chandigarh faced the same fate. With no flights available, I’m booking a hotel and waiting for operations to resume.”
The impact extended beyond IndiGo. IndiGo’s flight 6E 625, departing Pune at 10:05 am for Chennai, was also grounded. While Air India Express’s flight IX 2660 (scheduled for 11:15 pm from Pune to Chennai) was initially listed as on time, airline staff cautioned that this could change depending on the deteriorating weather conditions. An Air India representative at Pune Airport stated, “We are monitoring the weather closely and will provide more information by 5 pm today. Given the volatile conditions, there might be delays or further cancellations as the cyclone intensifies.”
Chennai International Airport temporarily suspended all flight operations to ensure passenger and crew safety. IndiGo, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), announced the suspension, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing safety while urging passengers to check with their respective airlines for updates. The airline also issued a travel advisory warning of potential flight groundings until the cyclone passes.
The disruption isn’t limited to air travel. The heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused significant challenges for ground transportation as well. Local trains and buses have faced delays and rerouting due to flooded roads and fallen trees. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, particularly in Chennai, has added to the travel woes.
Airlines are offering assistance to affected passengers. IndiGo, for example, is providing rebooking options on available flights and hotel accommodations for those stranded. An IndiGo spokesperson stated, “We are committed to ensuring that our passengers are taken care of during these unforeseen disruptions.” Both airlines and airport authorities have repeatedly emphasized the safety of passengers as their top priority, assuring passengers that they are working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible once weather conditions improve.
The slow movement of Cyclone Fengal has prolonged the disruption, impacting not only air and ground transport but also the Chennai Port. While authorities are focused on deploying relief efforts and emergency services, the advice for travelers remains: be patient, flexible, and stay informed by regularly checking flight statuses and weather reports. The situation is constantly evolving, and officials are working tirelessly to restore normal transportation services, hoping for smoother operations by the beginning of next week.
