As Cyclone Ditwah moves across Sri Lanka and heads toward the Bay of Bengal, its impact is now being felt in India, especially in Tamil Nadu and at air hubs such as Chennai International Airport.

Airport authorities have cancelled 54 flights from Chennai airport scheduled for tomorrow as a precaution, due to warnings of heavy rainfall and cyclonic winds. The cancellations affect both departures and arrivals, across domestic and regional routes, including connections to cities such as Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, Salem, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and even flights to/from Sri Lanka (Jaffna).

The flights cancelled include many regional services using ATR-type aircraft that are more vulnerable to strong wind and adverse weather.

IndiGo has cancelled its entire schedule of ATR flights on Saturday to/from Chennai. The airline has issued a travel advisory warning passengers about possible delays or cancellations especially on routes connecting to Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Pondicherry, Tuticorin and Trichy. Travellers on affected routes have been encouraged to check their flight status before heading to airports.

According to reports, five Colombo-bound flights from Middle East, India and Malaysia were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala because of deteriorating weather over Colombo and Sri Lanka.

Greater disruptions are expected if Ditwah maintains strength while moving north-northwest, with forecasts predicting impact along coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of south Andhra Pradesh by early 30 November.

If you have any travel plans via Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka or southern India in the next 48–72 hours:

  • Check flight status: Before heading to airport, especially for Chennai, Trichy, Tuticorin, Pondicherry, Jaffna or Colombo routes. Many flights are cancelled or may be rescheduled.
  • Expect delays, cancellations and diversions: Regional flights, especially those using ATR aircraft, are most vulnerable. International flights to Sri Lanka may be diverted to alternate airports.
  • Stay alert for weather warnings: IMD alerts mean heavy rain and strong winds, coastal areas and low-lying regions might face flooding and waterlogging.
  • Follow disaster-management advisories: If local authorities ask to avoid travel, evacuate low-lying areas, or advise sea travel closures, comply without delay.
  • Allow for alternate travel plans or delays: With disrupted air connectivity, expect possible stay extensions or rebooking issues.

The disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah underscore the vulnerability of aviation operations especially regional connectivity, to severe weather events.