Kenya Airways has announced the suspension of flights to Mauritius due to the impending Cyclone Garance, with a Class 3 warning issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Service. The cyclone is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain, leading to significant disruptions including the closure of the main airport. KQ prioritizes safety and will keep flights suspended until normalcy resumes.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has effectively suspended flights to Mauritius due to escalating weather conditions as a tropical cyclone approaches the region. The Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) has issued a Class 3 cyclone warning for both Mauritius and La Reunion, with Cyclone Garance anticipated to impact the islands significantly on Thursday evening or Friday morning, leading to severe wind and rain conditions.
The cyclone has already caused considerable disruption in Mauritius, including the closure of the main airport and the stranding of numerous tourists. KQ has announced that the decision to suspend flights follows this airport closure, emphasizing that passenger safety and that of its staff remain a priority as the situation unfolds.
KQ typically provides daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Mauritius. However, the caution regarding Tropical Cyclone Class 3 suggests expected wind speeds ranging from 120 to 165 km/h, which pose substantial threats to safety and infrastructure. The MMS forecasts wind speeds reaching 40 km/h with gusts up to 100 km/h, resulting in potentially hazardous conditions for aviation.
KQ has indicated that flights will remain suspended indefinitely, pending improvements in weather conditions. They extend apologies to affected customers and stress the importance of safety given the anticipated adverse impacts of the cyclone, which may also cause rough seas with waves of up to 7 meters.
In summary, Kenya Airways has suspended flights to Mauritius in response to the imminent threat posed by Cyclone Garance. Authorities have issued a Class 3 cyclone warning, prompting safety measures due to dangerous weather conditions. KQ is committed to passenger safety and will reinstate flights once conditions stabilize.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
