Storm Garance Causes Airport Closure and Flight Cancellations in Mauritius

Severe travel disruptions are occurring in Mauritius as Storm Garance prompts the shutdown of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Major airlines have canceled all flights, and the Mauritian government has issued a Class III storm warning. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and travel arrangements as dangerous weather conditions develop.

Mauritius is facing significant travel disruptions following the closure of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport due to Storm Garance. Major carriers, including Air France, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, Air India, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, and Saudia Airlines, have annulled all flights as a result of the dangerous weather conditions marked by high winds and heavy rainfall.

The airport closure initiated at 19:10 local time on February 26, 2025, was prompted by the Mauritius Meteorological Service’s issuance of a Class III storm warning, which denotes the highest level of threat this season. The storm is anticipated to exacerbate conditions, bringing winds potentially exceeding 165 kilometers per hour, thus causing immediate air travel cancellations.

Numerous international flights, including those from Kenya Airways, Condor, Air Mauritius, IndiGo, and FlySafair, have also been suspended. Passengers are encouraged to consult their airlines regarding rebooking options and alternative arrangements in light of these cancellations.

Presently, the tropical storm is located approximately 390 kilometers northwest of Mauritius and is expected to strengthen. Authorities are recommending that residents and tourists remain indoors to ensure safety amidst anticipated flooding and rough sea conditions.

Furthermore, non-essential services such as banks and the stock exchange have been closed, compounding the disruption. The public holiday coinciding with these events means that these services will remain unavailable if the storm warning continues. Moreover, public transport could experience delays and cancellations, further hindering travel across the island.

Interestingly, Mauritius was already facing a dry spell, with January 2025 recorded as one of the driest months in recent history, prompting government-enforced water usage restrictions. As the weather worsens, continuous updates from the Mauritius Meteorological Service will be crucial for travelers and residents alike to stay informed on the situation.

In light of the impending storm, it is critical for individuals with scheduled flights to remain updated through official airline communications and atmospheric advisories in anticipation of further disruptions.

In summary, the closure of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius due to Storm Garance has led to widespread flight cancellations by numerous international airlines. The intensifying storm poses significant safety risks, prompting authorities to issue a high-level storm warning and recommend that individuals stay indoors. Travelers are advised to monitor updates closely as the situation unfolds.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com