Table of Contents
Chennai: A total of ten flights scheduled to depart from Chennai were cancelled on Friday to clear the sky for rehearsals of Indian Air Force (IAF) airshow scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 6. These flights were supposed to land in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Sri Lanka, the Andamans, and Madurai. Since the cancellation was announced just a few hours before the scheduled departure, many passengers were left in a difficult situation, struggling to find alternative flights or travel arrangements.
A total of 46 flights were affected due to Friday cancellation as the airspace was closed between 11am and 1pm. Chennai airport authorities had announced on September 30 that the airspace would be closed for periods ranging from 15 minutes to 135 minutes between October 1 and 8. In compliance of which, airlines were also instructed to reschedule flights during these times.
An Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru, scheduled to arrive at 7am and depart for the Andamans at 7:45am, was cancelled due to 'operational reasons'. Since the return flight from Port Blair would arrive in Chennai at 1pm, during the airspace closure, the entire flight was cancelled to avoid disruptions. This same flight was also cancelled on 1st October for the same reason, said a report byTimes of India.
Also Read: Chennai IAF Air Show: How to Reach Marina Beach Faster, Check Other Prime Spots
Similarly, Air India cancelled flights on the Mumbai-Chennai-Bengaluru, Chennai-Madurai, Chennai-Colombo, and Colombo-Chennai routes, as they were scheduled during rehearsal hours. Cancellations are expected again on Sunday during the airshow between 11am and 1pm, but airlines have yet to confirm this.
"Airlines usually notify passengers well in advance if a flight is rescheduled, but cancellations are often confirmed just hours before. The only benefit is that passengers will receive a full refund," said airport sources. Large numbers of ticket cancellations are also believed to be a factor, though airlines have not confirmed this.
Chennai IAF Air Show 2024
Chennai is preparing for the most-anticipated Air Show 2024 that is going to take place at Marina Beach on October 6. The IAF will host aerial prowess with Rafales, Sukhois, and Tejas jets on the occasion of 92nd Air Force Day.
Chennai Air Show: Timings and Venue
- The Chennai Air Show will be held at Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu.
- Celebration Date: 6th October 2024
- Rehearsal Date: 5th October 2024
- Timings: 11 AM to 1 PM