Mumbai airport on July 8 said 50 flights were cancelled during the day due to heavy rains and low visibility, officials of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA) said in a statement.
This included both arrivals and departures. Out of the 50, 42 flights were of the no-frills IndiGo, while six were of Air India, airport official said.
Operations on the runway were stopped between 2:22 am and 3:40 am, the airport said.
“Today heavy rains and low visibility led to the suspension of runway operations from 2:22 am to 3:40 am. 27 flight diversions reported,” it said.
Also read: Parts of Mumbai could receive heavy rainfall in next 24 hours, says IMD
The airport said flights were diverted to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Indore, adding that priority is being given to arrivals, delaying departures, and consequential changes that were made to accommodate diverted flights.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on July 8 has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city in the next 24 hours, while a yellow alert has been issued for tomorrow.
In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on July 8, the island city recorded an average 115.63 mm rainfall, while the eastern and western parts of Mumbai received 168.68 mm and 165.93 mm rain, respectively, an official said.
In eastern Mumbai, Govandi recorded the highest 315.6 mm rainfall, followed by 314.5 mm at Powai, while in western parts, Malpa Dongri in Andheri received the highest 292.2 mm rainfall followed by 278.2 mm at Chakala.
Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said state authorities are working to bring train and road services back on track and asked city residents to avoid going out.
CM Shinde informed that over 600 water pumps are in action to drain out water.
"Since last night, Mumbai has received 300mm rain, around 200 water pumps of the Railways and more than 400 BMC water pumps are in service to drain out water. Trains on the Central and Harbour lines have resumed. Disaster management authorities, Army, Navy, and Air Force are on alert."
Meanwhile, the airport asked passengers to check their flight status.
“In light of the inclement weather and forecast of heavy to very heavy rains, #MumbaiAirport advises all the passengers to check their flight status with their respective airlines and leave for the airport a little earlier,” CSIA said in a post on X.
Airlines informed passengers that several flights arriving and departing Mumbai have been impacted because of the heavy rains. Many airlines are also offering an option to seek alternate flights or claim a full refund.
Mumbai Rains LIVE: Heavy rainfall at various places today; schools, colleges shut
“#6ETravelAdvisory: Flights to/from #Mumbai are impacted due to heavy rains. To opt for an alternate flight or claim a full refund, https://bit.ly/3MxSLeE or feel free to reach out to our on-ground team for any immediate assistance. For flight status, https://bit.ly/3lpnChV,” IndiGo said in a statement on X.
Air India too issued advisory and said it is offering full refund and the option to reschedule flights.
“Heavy rains in Mumbai are affecting flight operations and resulting in cancellation of some of our flights. Air India is offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on 8th July with some conditions. For further assistance please connect with our contact centre at 011 69329333 , 011 69329999.”
Domestic carrier Vistara asked passengers to expect more time for their journey because of the weather conditions at the airport.
“#TravelUpdate: Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected enroute to Mumbai Airport today due to weather conditions. Customers are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport. Thank you.”
SpiceJet also asked flyers to check their flight status. “#WeatherUpdate: Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://bit.ly/2tG9xBx.”
With inputs from PTI
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