With heavy rains continuing to batter Mumbai-MMR region, several airlines on Monday issued advisories regarding flight delays and cancellations. Incessant rains lashed the financial capital of India severely impacting normal life. The impact extended to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), where flight operations were affected.
Heavy rains and low visibility led to the suspension of runway operations at the Mumbai airport from 2.22 am to 3.40 am on Monday and 27 diversions were reported. Flights were diverted to cities such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, among others. Priority is being given to arriving flights.
Airlines Issue Advisories
Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet, issued advisories to passengers warning of potential delays and disruptions.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Air India informed that they were offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on July 8. The airline said, "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."
Earlier in the day, the airline had advised their guests to start early for the airport, as it was feared that slow traffic and waterlogging would delay the commute. Vistara also advised customers to allow more time for their journey to the airport.
IndiGo informed passengers that flights to and from Mumbai were affected by the inclement weather. They advised flyers to check flight status updates regularly and offered options for rescheduling flights or full refunds as per their policies.
SpiceJet warned of potential air traffic congestion as a result of the weather. Their advisory served as a heads-up for passengers flying into or out of Mumbai.
Mumbai Grapples With Waterlogging, Public Transport Hit
Heavy rains caused widespread waterlogging across various parts of Mumbai, submerging low-lying areas and traffic flow. Public transport services, including local trains and buses, were severely affected, leaving many commuters stranded. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for schools and colleges.
Commuters complained that the operational suburban services were running late. There was heavy rush of commuters at some of the key stations and in trains.
BMC Update On Mumbai Rains
The BMC said there would be a high tide of 4.40 metres in Mumbai at 1.57 pm which, coupled with heavy rains, could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas. The civic body said some areas received more than 300 mm rainfall from 1 am to 7 am today. The civic body appealed to citizens not to believe in rumours and to dial its control numbers for emergency help.
In a post on X, BMC municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani was seen at the disaster management control room, keeping a close eye on the situation.
In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Monday, the island city recorded an average of 115.63 mm of rainfall, while the eastern and western parts of Mumbai received 168.68 mm and 165.93 mm of rain.
IMD's Rainfall Alert
IMD Mumbai in the morning predicted "generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs" in the next 24 hours, according to BMC.
It issued a 'Nowcast' warning around 10.15 am, valid for three hours, predicting moderate spells of rainfall in the city and suburbs. It forecast "heavy rainfall at isolated places" in the next 24 hours.
(with PTI inputs)
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