Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius has suspended all flights due to the arrival of Storm Garance, prompting major airlines to cancel operations. The storm, classified as a Class III warning, is expected to bring dangerous winds and severe weather. Travelers are advised to stay informed and check with airlines for updates on their flights as disruptions may continue.
Mauritius is facing significant travel disruptions as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport has been closed due to the newly formed Storm Garance. This closure has prompted major airlines, including Air France, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, Air India, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, and Saudia Airlines, to cancel all scheduled flights. Passengers are left stranded as they await further updates from airlines regarding rebookings and alternative arrangements.
The airport was officially shut down effective Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 19:10 local time (15:10 GMT) following a Class III storm warning issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Service, which indicates severe weather conditions with extreme winds and heavy rainfall. The storm is anticipated to reach full strength, bringing winds that could exceed 165 kilometers per hour (102 mph), posing hazardous conditions on the island and necessitating immediate travel disruptions.
The cancellation of flights extends to several other airlines, including Kenya Airways, Condor, Air Mauritius, IndiGo, Air Seychelles, and FlySafair, affecting many travelers. The authorities recommend that all passengers check with their respective airlines for updates on their flight statuses, as travel plans have been severely impacted.
In addition to the airport’s closure, all non-essential services, including banks and the stock exchange, have also been suspended. As Wednesday was already a public holiday, these facilities will remain closed until the storm warning is lifted or escalated. Public transportation services are likely to be delayed or canceled, intensifying the disruptions across the island.
Interestingly, Mauritius has been experiencing a dry spell, with January 2025 being recorded as the second-driest month in 25 years. The government had already established water usage restrictions in response to this issue. Now, the looming threat of Storm Garance further complicates the situation for both residents and businesses as they prepare for potential flooding and severe weather.
The Mauritius Meteorological Service has advised residents and visitors to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas due to dangerous sea conditions. Travelers are urged to stay informed through official airline updates and weather forecasts, as further disruptions are expected in the days ahead, contingent on the storm’s direction and severity.
In summary, Storm Garance has led to the closure of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, causing widespread flight cancellations across several major airlines. The severe weather poses significant challenges to travel and daily life in Mauritius, with authorities urging residents to prioritize safety. Continued monitoring of the storm’s developments and regular airline updates will be essential for affected passengers.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
