Mumbai Rains: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Issue Alerts; BMC Declares Holiday For Schools And Colleges

Continuous and heavy rainfall in Mumbai has severely disrupted flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, prompting major airlines to issue advisories to passengers.

IndiGo Alerts Passengers

IndiGo announced that persistent rains are causing periodic delays in their flight schedules. The low-cost carrier is striving to provide real-time updates to passengers but advises everyone to check their flight status before heading to the airport. "We are relentlessly working to ensure smooth operations and expect these delays to significantly reduce once the weather improves," IndiGo stated.

Air India and SpiceJet Follow Suit

Air India also alerted its passengers about potential disruptions. "Flights to and from Mumbai may be affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement," the advisory noted. "Please check flight status before heading to the airport."

SpiceJet echoed similar concerns, stating that all departures and arrivals, as well as their consequential flights, at Mumbai airport might be impacted due to adverse weather conditions. "Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status," the airline advised.

Brief Suspension of Flight Operations

Poor visibility due to heavy rainfall and gusty winds led to a brief suspension of flight operations at Mumbai airport on Thursday morning. Operations resumed after around 20 minutes when visibility improved to 1000 meters and Runway Visual Range (RVR) reached 1200 meters at 10:55 am.

Government's Response

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, "Since early today, I have been reviewing the ongoing heavy rain and flood situation in various districts of Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kolhapur, and Sangli from my office. The disaster management system of all the districts and the concerned officials of the district administration have been instructed to provide the necessary assistance to the people as soon as possible without any delay in the rescue and relief work."

He requested the people of Maharashtra to step out of their homes only if necessary and to be vigilant while traveling.

Schools and Colleges Closed

In response to the severe weather, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai. This decision follows a red alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department due to heavy rainfall. The department has asked all teachers to inform concerned representatives and take necessary precautions to coordinate at the school level while leaving the school.

Schools in various districts of Maharashtra, including Raigad, Pune, Palghar, Thane, and Pimpri, have also been closed. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Due to the bad weather conditions, normal life has been disrupted, with bus and train routes diverted.

Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were suspended at 10:36 am due to poor visibility. Services resumed at 10:55 am when visibility improved to 1000 meters and Runway Visual Range reached 1200 meters.