IndiGo Grounds Regional Fleet as Cyclone Ditwah Approaches
In a significant preemptive move, IndiGo, India's largest airline, has cancelled its entire schedule of ATR flight operations to and from Chennai on Saturday. This decision was made as a safety precaution ahead of Cyclone Ditwah, which is forecasted to bring severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, to the coastal region.
Widespread Disruption Across Tamil Nadu
The cancellation has severely impacted short-haul regional connectivity across Tamil Nadu. A total of 36 ATR flights directly linked to Chennai were withdrawn from service for the day. This action effectively grounded IndiGo's core regional network originating from the city.
The affected routes from Chennai included:
- 10 flights to and from Trichy
- 9 services connecting Madurai
- 7 flights on the Tuticorin sector
The disruption was not limited to Chennai. Similar ATR flight operations from other major hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad to destinations such as Madurai, Trichy, and Puducherry were also cancelled. In total, the airline has called off 54 flights across its network due to the cyclonic threat.
Airline Issues Advisory, Offers Passenger Support
IndiGo has proactively issued an advisory to all affected passengers, explaining that the decision was driven by anticipated worsening conditions from Cyclone Ditwah. The airline's official statement highlighted potential disruptions for flights to and from Jaffna, Puducherry, Tuticorin, and Trichy.
"We understand how unsettling any changes to your travel plans can be and want to assure you that our teams are continuously tracking the situation to keep your journey as smooth as possible," the airline stated, emphasizing that passenger safety is its top priority.
Passengers have been strongly urged to check the latest updates on the IndiGo website or mobile app before heading to the airport. For those whose travel plans are impacted, the airline has outlined options for alternate travel arrangements or processing refunds through its user-friendly self-service platforms.
