National carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has suspended flights to Mauritius, citing the deteriorating weather conditions due to an approaching tropical cyclone.
The Mauritius Meteorological Service (MMS) has issued a Class 3 cyclone warning for the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Reunion.
Both islands remain on high alert as Cyclone Garance is expected to pass around the region on Thursday evening or Friday morning, bringing gale-force winds, heavy rain, and rough seas.
Garance has triggered significant disruptions in Mauritius, leading to the closure of the country’s main Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and leaving many tourists stranded.
“Due to the urgent cyclone warning issued by the government’s weather department, we regret to inform our customers that we have temporarily suspended flights to Mauritius effective immediately. This decision follows the temporary closure of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU),” KQ said in a statement.
KQ operates daily flights to Mauritius from its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport hub.
“Tropical Cyclone Class 3 is expected to hit the islands of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and possibly other neighbouring countries starting today. Mauritius government authorities have issued alerts concerning the cyclone’s impact, the duration which is currently unknown” it added.
KQ said its flights to the island nation would remain suspended indefinitely until normalcy returns.
“We sincerely apologise to our customers for any inconvenience this may cause and want to reassure them that their safety and that of our staff is our unwavering priority. Our thoughts are with those who may be affected by these adverse weather conditions.”
The MMS on Thursday warned that the cyclone would see wind ll blow from the northeast of the country at a speed of about 40 kilometres per hour (km/h) with gusts of up to 100 km/h, strengthening gradually.
It said that the cyclone would also cause a very rough sea with waves of up to 7 metres.
A Cyclone Class 3 has the intensity level of a tropical cyclone based on specific regional classification systems. The warnings are mostly issued when wind speeds are expected to reach 120-165 km/h which poses threats to infrastructure transportation and safety.
The strong winds and heavy rain often make takeoff and landing very dangerous.
