India: Reopening of Cochin International Airport (COK) postponed to Aug. 29 /update 6

Event

Officials from Cochin International Airport (COK) announced on Wednesday, August 22, that the airport would reopen and resume operations on Wednesday, August 29. The announcement postpones the reopening of the airport for three days beyond what was previously forecast, as the slow pace of flood-response and cleanup efforts in central Kerala state has complicated the recovery of logistics and other infrastructure and capabilities required to resume normal flight operations. Continued flight diversions from COK to other regional airports, including to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) and Calicut International Airport (CCJ), are expected in the coming days.

Context

COK - Kerala state's main airport and India's seventh largest in terms of passenger traffic - has been closed since August 15 due to the heavy rain and catastrophic flooding that has impacted the southern state in recent days.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to continue to postpone nonessential travel to Kerala and to anticipate continued transportation disruptions (including flight cancelations and diversions). People currently present in the state are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated road hazards, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.