Flights Disrupted at Chennai Airport Due to Smoke
Several flights faced delays and diversion issues at Chennai Airport after dense smoke from Bhogi festival fires reduced visibility on Tuesday morning. Officials said the smoke affected runway visibility, causing temporary disruption in flight operations.
Smoke Impact on Visibility
Local authorities reported that burning of agricultural residue and festival waste in and around the city led to thick smoke covering the airport area. The reduced visibility affected pilots’ ability to land safely, prompting air traffic control to delay some arrivals and divert others to nearby airports.
Flights Affected
A number of incoming flights were held in holding patterns or diverted until visibility improved. Airport officials said departures were also delayed as a precautionary measure. The situation improved later in the day as winds dispersed the smoke and visibility returned to safer levels.
Airport Response
Chennai Airport management worked with air traffic control to prioritise safety while minimising inconvenience to passengers. Officials advised travellers to check flight status with their airlines before coming to the airport due to possible schedule changes.
