TTG – Destinations – Tropical Storm Garance prompts Mauritius airport closure and Foreign Office alert
27 Feb 2025By Ilaria Grasso Macola
Mauritius has shut its main international airport owing to high winds and heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Garance, which has prompted a Foreign Office alert for parts of the Indian Ocean.
Authorities have warned travellers to contact their airline for updates after the airport shut its doors on Wednesday afternoon (26 February). It will remain closed until further notice.
The FCDO has also called on UK nationals in Mauritius to stay in a safe place and follow the instructions of local authorities.
“We understand that delays can be inconvenient, and we will reschedule our flights as soon as the airport is operational, and weather conditions permit,” said Air Mauritius, the country’s flag carrier, in a statement.
“If you wish to change your travel dates as of today [26 February]Air Mauritius is offering you a free-of-charge change for travel until 31 March 2025.”
Meanwhile, the French island of La Reunion is set to be placed on total lockdown as the cyclone approaches its shores later on Thursday (27 February).
Local authorities have ordered residents to stay inside and prepare for power and water outages, using phones only when “absolutely necessary” and keeping informed on the weather situation.
“After the cyclone has passed, all services involved in crisis management will carry out reconnaissance,” said the prefect (the head of the local administration). “The lockdown, and therefore the red alert, will only be lifted when security conditions are assured.”
