DRKochi: The Cochin International Airports Ltd. (CIAL) has announced that the Kochi airport will remain shut till 2 pm on August 26. The city continues to receive heavy rains, and water level inside the airport is rising.
The Air Navigation Services wing of the Airports Authority of India has issued suspended air services till August 26. Officials said the situation is being constantly reviewed in consultation with the state government.
A CIAL spokesperson, said, “Kochi Airport operations have been temporarily suspended as the inflow of water is still on the rise. We are working hard to drain out the storm water.”
The State Government, reportedly, would soon approach the Ministry of Civil Aviation asking whether small flights to Kochi could be allowed to land at the naval airport.
It would also request the ministry to utilise the other two airports in the state – Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram – instead of redirecting the flights to Mumbai and other places, the statement said.
The Chief Minister asked officials to make necessary arrangements to take passengers who may be landing in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode to their respective places by state-run buses.
The death toll from the fresh onslaught of rain in Kerala since August 9 has climbed to 75 as the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in history.
The CM had once again called PM to seek more aid considering the situation. He also sought for additional Army personnel and helicopters.
