Chennai International Airport (MAA) has temporarily ceased operations due to severe flooding caused by the approaching Cyclone Michaung.
According to AviationSource, this is the first time the airport has been forced to close since 2015, when flooding in Chennai led to a four-day shutdown. The weather conditions also led to the diversion of more than 30 flights to Kempegowda airport in Bengaluru.
Videos circulating on social media showed the airport’s terminal and runways flooded with water.
Current Situation AirSide in Chennai.
The cyclone has made its landfall. All flights cancelled in and out of Chennai. Airport closed till 2300 hrs. pic.twitter.com/yymYfdkYOJ— Vaibhavi Limaye (@LimayeVaibhavi) December 4, 2023
Many areas of Chennai were blocked by similar floods, forcing authorities to close offices and schools and evacuate people.
Due to the worsening situation, Chennai airport closure has been extended until December 5, 9:00 local time.