Flight operations at Chennai to remain suspended on Thursday

IndiGo and Jet Airways have announced cancellation of all flights to and from Chennai on Thursday as the airport remained inundated with rain water.

Earlier today the Airport Authority of India had announced that operations will be suspended till 6 a.m. on Thursday. While no further update was available from the authority the airlines have announced cancellation of all flights.

Thirty two planes belonging to domestic and international airlines have been stuck at Chennai since Tuesday night with suspension of operations. This includes four aircraft of SpiceJet, eight aircraft of Jet Airways and two planes belonging to IndiGo.

Airlines have been forced to revise their schedules and club some of the flights with so many aircraft on ground. ?We have managed to protect all other flights in the network, no other flights impacted,? a SpiceJet spokesperson.

Aviation sources said that water had also entered the terminal building especially in the baggage make up area in the basement of the terminal. The danger is about water level rising and impacting the electrical systems situated inside the basement, a source added.

Over 3500 persons including 1500 passengers were impacted due to the airport closure in Chennai. The affected passengers include those who were take connecting international flights from Mumbai or Delhi.

"IndiGo staff collaborated with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to arrange coaches for the passengers. As a result, many passengers have been able to leave the airport today, to further travel to other cities by road.," an IndiGo spokesperson said.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation M Sathiyavathy said instructions have been issued to all airlines and airports to look after passengers impacted due to Chennai floods.

Earlier in the day AAI chairperson R K Srivastava said 66 arrivals and 53 departures were cancelled since Tuesday night. The situation at the airport would be reviewed again

tomorrow before giving the go ahead for resumption of flight operations, Srivastava said.