Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) experienced a wave of chaos on Sunday night as the main runway had to be temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions. The closure resulted in long delays and cancellations of flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and anxious at the Mumbai airport.
Cyclone Biparjoy, initially a severe cyclonic storm, has further intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is expected to make landfall along the western coast on June 15. It will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to Mumbai on Monday.
Air India, one of the major airlines operating at the airport, issued a statement acknowledging the delays. Air India tweeted, "Inclement weather conditions and the temporary closure of Runway 09/27 at the Mumbai airport, in addition to other consequential factors beyond our control have resulted in delays and cancellation of some of our flights. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests, as we make all effort to minimise the disruptionsm".
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
— Air India (@airindia) June 11, 2023
Inclement weather conditions and the temporary closure of Runway 09/27 at the Mumbai airport, in addition to other consequential factors beyond our control have resulted in delays and cancellation of some of our flights. We regret the inconvenience caused…
Indigo Airlines, another prominent carrier, expressed their understanding of the passengers' predicament and the inconvenience caused by the flight delays. Indigo Airlines tweeted in response to a tweet by a passenger, "The agony as flight delays are equally troublesome for us. It is only under extremely uncontrollable situations we're compelled to make such changes in the schedule. We look forward to your kind understanding,"
Sir, we can surely understand the agony as flight delays are equally troublesome for us. It is only under extremely uncontrollable situations we're compelled to make such changes in the schedule. We look forward to your kind understanding. ~Kiran
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) June 12, 2023
Meanwhile, concerned netizens also shared on Twitter about their experiences at the airport.
Utter chaos @AkasaAir at Mumbai Airport. Flight to Bangalore is twice delayed and gate changed FIVE times. Making people look jokers and run around the airport with luggage! Beyond ridiculous! Such shame! 8.15 new take off time and boarding yet to begin! Ppl furious now! pic.twitter.com/C4KolqJPRo
— Boris D'Souza (@boris_dsouza) June 11, 2023
Heated argument between a lady passenger & @IndiGo6E staff in Mumbai airport. Del-Bom 2103 Indigo flight delayed by over 1 hr 40 mins. Lady's father-in-law in ICU. #indigo pic.twitter.com/eklkzLmmUt
— Dev Kachari (@KachariDev) June 11, 2023
The IMD issued a thunderstorm alert for several coastal districts in Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri, Raigad, Thane, Palghar, and Kolhapur. The IMD advised residents of these areas to take necessary safety measures as isolated thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds, are expected in these districts.
As Cyclone Biparjoy strengthens, it is predicted to become a cyclonic storm with wind gusts of up to 135 kilometres per hour. The cyclone is anticipated to impact Pakistan and Gujarat on June 14, before making landfall along their respective shores on June 15. District officials in Gujarat, including Kutch, Jamnagar, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Porbandar, and Devbhumi Dwarka, have been warned about heavy rainfall and extremely strong wind speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour from June 13 to 15.
Cyclone Alert for Saurashtra and Kutch Coast: Orange Message. ESCS BIPARJOY lay at 0830IST today, about 320km SW of Porbandar, 360km SSW of Devbhumi Dwarka, 440km South of Jakhau Port, 440km SSW of Naliya. To cross near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by noon of 15th June as VSCS. pic.twitter.com/8gHGLHt1XP
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 12, 2023
In light of the cyclone's approach, fishing activities have been advised against in the seas along the coasts of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep. State governments have been alerted and urged to closely monitor local conditions and take necessary precautions accordingly. District authorities have been informed to prepare for the impact of the cyclone and ensure the safety of residents in the vulnerable areas.
Fisherman warning for the next 5 days. #fisherman #warning #Weather #India #IMD@DDNewslive @ndmaindia @airnewsalerts @moesgoi pic.twitter.com/OXQzFndj5z
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 11, 2023
In neighbouring Pakistan, the government has also issued warnings for Sindh and Balochistan. Rain and thunder are also expected to commence along the coast of Sindh and Makran on the night of June 13.
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