After operations were suspended at Cochin international airport till Sunday due to rise in water levels of the Periyar river and a canal adjacent to it, the Indian Navy opened its airport INS Garuda for civil aircraft operations in Kochi.

Flight operations at Cochin international airport have been suspended after floodwaters engulfed the parking area. Yesterday, flight operations were suspended for four hours till midnight as a precautionary measure in view of heavy rains.

“As the apron area is waterlogged due to the flood, all aircraft operations have been suspended at Kochi airport,” a statement issued on Thursday by the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) said adding that flights coming to the airport have been diverted.

Issuing a notification air carrier IndiGo said, "Due to airport closure at Kochi, all flight operations to and fro Kochi have been suspended for today. The passengers can now opt for alternate options or get a refund."

Due to the rise in the water levels of the Periyar river and a canal near the airport, operations were suspended. Kerala has been witnessing heavy rains for the past few days and so far eight people have been killed in rain-related incidents.