Chennai, 21 July (H.S):
Escalating tensions in West Asia disrupted international flight operations at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday, delaying 20 international services and forcing the cancellation of two SriLankan Airlines flights on the Chennai-Colombo sector. The disruptions left hundreds of passengers stranded for several hours as airlines adjusted schedules in response to intermittent airspace restrictions over parts of the Gulf region.
Airport officials said temporary closures of airspace over Bahrain and Kuwait, prompted by renewed security concerns, affected several international routes passing through the Gulf. Airlines operating on these corridors were compelled to reschedule flights, resulting in delays that rippled across multiple destinations.
A total of 20 international flights, comprising 10 arrivals and 10 departures, were delayed by 30 minutes to nearly three hours. The affected services included flights operating to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, London and Singapore. Since many long-haul international flights to Chennai transit through Gulf airspace, the restrictions also impacted services originating from destinations beyond West Asia.
The delayed arrivals led to corresponding delays in outbound departures as airlines waited for inbound aircraft to reach Chennai before operating return services. Airport authorities said flight schedules would continue to be revised depending on developments in the region and the reopening of restricted airspace.
Adding to the disruption, SriLankan Airlines cancelled its scheduled Colombo-Chennai flight due to arrive at 3 p.m. and the return Chennai-Colombo service scheduled to depart at 4 p.m. Passengers were advised to contact the airline for rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
The disruptions triggered long queues at the international terminal, with many passengers expressing frustration over the lack of timely information. Travellers said they received little advance notice of delays or cancellations and were left waiting for hours without clear updates. Airport authorities said they were coordinating closely with airlines and continuously monitoring the evolving situation to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
