Chennai experienced significant disruptions on Tuesday morning due to heavy fog that impacted flight operations, train services, and even led to a scheduled power outage in several areas. The dense fog, which enveloped the city early in the day, caused a series of challenges for travelers, with both domestic and international flights being affected. Between 6 and 7 a.m., Chennai airport witnessed delays as several international flights, including those arriving from Dubai and Muscat, were rerouted to nearby airports such as Tirupati and Hyderabad. These disruptions affected over 25 flights, and six planes were diverted as pilots faced difficulties landing due to the low visibility caused by the thick fog.
IndiGo Airlines, one of the major carriers operating out of Chennai, issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The airline acknowledged the challenges posed by the fog and assured passengers of its efforts to ensure safe travel. “Low visibility and fog over Chennai may lead to some delays. We are keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” IndiGo posted on social media platform X. The airline further stated that passengers whose flights were canceled could explore alternative flight options or claim refunds.
The fog also affected train services in the region, as reduced visibility made it difficult for train drivers to operate trains safely. Train services faced delays, impacting commuters who were already dealing with the weather-related disruptions at the airport.
Apart from the flight and train delays, Chennai also experienced a scheduled power outage on Tuesday, which affected several areas in the city. Locations including Sai Nagar, Kaliamman Koil Street, West Natesan Nagar, Pachaiamman Koil Street, and several other neighborhoods, experienced the power cut, which further added to the difficulties faced by the residents and commuters. The outages were part of routine maintenance work being carried out in the city, but the fog and power disruptions compounded the morning’s challenges.
The heavy fog, which persisted in the early hours, prompted various authorities and airlines to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of travelers. While the fog caused inconvenience for many, it also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of staying updated on flight statuses and travel advisories. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for improved weather conditions to allow operations to return to normal.
