Kenya Airways has suspended its flights to Mauritius due to the threat of Cyclone Garance, which is expected to bring severe weather conditions including gale-force winds and heavy rain. The airline announced the indefinite suspension following a Class 3 cyclone warning from the Mauritius Meteorological Service. All operations will be assessed for safety before flights can resume.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the suspension of flights to Mauritius, attributing this decision to worsening weather conditions caused by an impending tropical cyclone. The Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) has issued a Class 3 cyclone warning for Mauritius and La Reunion, indicating potential severe weather starting Thursday night or Friday morning, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and tumultuous seas.
Cyclone Garance has already caused widespread disruption within Mauritius, including the closure of the island nation’s primary airport, leading to many tourists becoming stranded. In a statement, KQ expressed their regret over the decision but emphasized that the safety of their passengers and crew is their foremost priority.
The government has issued urgent warnings for the region as tropical cyclone conditions present a serious threat, with wind speeds anticipated to reach up to 165 km/h. KQ confirmed that flights to Mauritius are suspended indefinitely until normal weather conditions resume. They also conveyed their apologies to affected customers for any inconvenience caused by this necessary action.
As the cyclone approaches, the MMS warned of strong northeast winds blowing at approximately 40 km/h, with potential gusts escalating to 100 km/h. The sea conditions will become perilous, with waves potentially reaching 7 meters in height. Class 3 Cyclone warnings indicate an intense tropical cyclone, thereby prompting KQ to make safety-centered decisions regarding their operations.
KQ operates daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Mauritius; however, the unpredictable nature of tropical cyclones poses significant risks to aviation operations. The decision to suspend flights reflects KQ’s commitment to prioritizing safety amidst nature’s unpredictability, ensuring the well-being of travelers and staff alike in challenging times.
In summary, Kenya Airways has suspended flights to Mauritius due to an impending tropical cyclone, prioritizing passenger safety amidst deteriorating weather conditions. The Mauritius Meteorological Service has issued a Class 3 cyclone warning, emphasizing the associated risks of high winds and rough seas. The airline will continue monitoring the situation and apologizes to customers for any disruption caused by this decision.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
