Bhogi celebration is the customary bonfire practised preceding Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu.

In 2018, the Airfield was covered with thick smoke emanating from the bonfire reducing visibility at Chennai Airport which in turn lead to diversion(s)/cancellation(s)/ delay(s) of flights, much to the inconvenience of passengers. Nearly 73 departures and 45 arrivals were affected.

However, during 2019 & 2020 Bhogi, through intense sensitisation among public and communities around Chennai Airport, we could minimise the effect of the bonfire, leading to fewer disruptions in air traffic.

This time around, as a precautionary measure and to avoid any flight disruptions, we sincerely request public staying in the proximity of Airport not to burn waste materials which creates thick smoke during ‘Bhogi’.

Since such activity brings down visibility in and around Chennai Airport leading to diversion(s)/cancellation(s) as well as passenger’s inconvenience, we are extremely thankful to the valued public support to our plea.

Pamphlets briefing concerns regarding Bhogi bonfire are beingdistributed to villages in proximity to Chennai Airport.

This press release issued by the Corporate Communications Department, AAI Chennai Airport.

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(Release ID: 1687303) Visitor Counter : 82