Three IndiGo flights were cancelled from Delhi and Bengaluru on Monday during arrival due to smoke generated by burning of old clothes and tyres in Bhogi festival
Apart from these, 30 flights have been rescheduled as a precaution.
The affected flights are to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Andaman, Goa, Pune and Kolkata.
Burning of old clothes and other items as part of Bhogi celebrations has covered Chennai, including the airport, in thick smoke reducing visibility.
Airport officials said it has made flight operations difficult and hazardous. Passengers were informed about the changes in flight schedules through SMS.
Officials are keeping a close watch and are prepared to divert incoming flights to other airports if the smog worsens.
It may be noted that every year Chennai airport faces disruptions during Bhogi. In 2018, 118 flights (73 departures and 45 arrivals) were affected due to smoke. But the number of disruptions has come down over the years. In 2024, 51 flights (27 arrivals and 24 departures) were impacted. This year, airlines anticipated poor visibility on Bhogi morning and rescheduled early morning flights.
Oman Air, Etihad and AirAsia have rescheduled. AirAsia which operates flights to Kuala Lumpur has rescheduled its flights for three days till January 15. The flight from Kuala Lumpur which was supposed to land in Chennai at 7:25 am will now land at 9:35 am and the departure time has been shifted to 10:15 am from 8:05 am on these days. An AirAsia spokesperson said the changes were made to ensure safe landing in smog conditions.
Airport officials said flight disruptions due to Bhogi smog is a recurring issue despite efforts to educate people around the airport not to burn waste.
Over the years the problem has come down significantly due to measures taken by civic authorities and police. But officials said only a few pilots are trained to operate under 400 meters visibility and that’s why flights are cancelled and rescheduled.
Chennai air quality took a big hit on Monday morning as Bhogi smoke shrouded the city. The thick smoke affected visibility for motorists and made breathing difficult for residents.
Light rain since midnight has brought down air pollution slightly but Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) warned that it will rise in next few hours. TNPCB is monitoring ambient air quality in 15 locations in Chennai for 24 hours on Bhogi day and the day before and after.
