Mumbai, July 9, 2024 — Heavy rains in Mumbai have led to significant disruptions in air traffic, causing a temporary halt in runway operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in the diversion of several flights and the cancellation of over 50 scheduled services.
According to the latest updates from Mumbai airport authorities, runway operations were suspended from 2:22 am to 3:40 am on Monday due to heavy rains and low visibility. This suspension led to at least 27 flights being diverted to other airports, including Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Indore.
In total, 51 flights scheduled to depart from or arrive in Mumbai were cancelled by 11 am on Monday. The cancellations included 42 IndiGo flights (22 arrivals and 20 departures), 6 Air India flights (3 arrivals and 3 departures), 2 Air India Express flights, and 1 Qatar Airways departure, which was cancelled on Sunday night due to an FDTL issue.
Airport authorities prioritized arriving flights and made consequential changes to accommodate the diverted planes, leading to delays in departures. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines and to leave for the airport earlier than usual due to the inclement weather and forecast of continued heavy rains.
Travel Advisory for Passengers
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to stay informed about their flight status and to plan their travel accordingly. “In light of the inclement weather and forecast of heavy to very heavy rains, Mumbai Airport advises all passengers to check their flight status with their respective airlines and leave for the airport a little earlier,” CSMIA posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Several airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, have also issued advisories to passengers as many flights scheduled to land in Mumbai were diverted to other locations.
Passengers’ Experiences
Many passengers took to social media to share their experiences and frustrations due to the disruptions. Stand-up comedian Abhijit Ganguly detailed his ordeal on X, describing how his late-night flight from Bangalore to Mumbai was diverted first to Ahmedabad and then to Indore before finally landing in Mumbai. “Felt like a Shawshank Redemption moment tbh,” Ganguly remarked.
Another user advised travelers to leave for the airport early due to waterlogging at Powai L&T junction, further complicating travel plans for many.
Impact on Local Transportation and Education
The heavy rains have not only affected air travel but also disrupted local transportation and education. Waterlogging has been reported in several areas of Mumbai, causing significant delays and inconveniences. Local train services, a lifeline for many Mumbai residents, were also impacted due to waterlogged railway tracks. As a result, all schools and colleges in the city were closed to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s monsoon season continues to pose challenges for residents and travelers alike. With more rain predicted in the coming days, passengers are urged to remain vigilant, stay updated on travel advisories, and plan accordingly. At Sarhind Times, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments and travel updates during this rainy season. Stay safe and take necessary precautions while traveling.
For more updates on Mumbai rains and travel advisories, visit our website at Sarhind Times.
+ There are no comments
Add yours