Diwali Firecracker Smoke Disrupts Flights at Chennai Airport
Diwali Firecracker Smoke Disrupts Flights at Chennai Airport
IN · Published Nov 9, 2026
• On the night of 8th November 2026, smoke from Diwali firecrackers significantly reduced visibility at Chennai International Airport, causing disruptions to flight operations.
• Visibility dropped to as low as 600 metres, delaying 26 flights and forcing IndiGo flight 6E2002 from Raipur to divert to Bengaluru.

Impact & Risks

The reduced visibility affected both arriving and departing flights at Chennai International Airport. Eleven incoming flights were forced to circle, with one flight from Raipur diverting to Bengaluru after holding for an extended period. Fifteen departing flights, including international routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, were delayed. Passengers faced significant inconvenience, with some flights rescheduled to land after visibility improved around 1:54 am on 9th November. Such disruptions highlight the recurring issue of air quality during festive celebrations in Chennai.

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