Mauritius has closed its airport until further notice as the island prepares for a severe tropical storm.
The Mauritius Meteorological Services issued a warning early on Wednesday to say the class-three cyclone, which was at that point about 273 miles northwest of Mauritius, was intensifying.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its advice to say: “A cyclone warning is currently in force in Mauritius. Severe Tropical Storm Garance will continue to affect the weather in Mauritius this week. Widespread heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected.
“Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport will be closed from 7pm local time on 26 February until further notice. Travellers should contact their airlines for travel updates.
“Stay in a safe place and follow instructions and updates from local authorities closely.”
Brititsh Airways and Air Mauritius flights to London that were due to depart Mauritius at around 9pm on Wednesday left early, at around 2.30pm, to avoid the storm.
The next scheduled departure to London is an Air Mauritius flight today, at 10.15pm, while the next scheduled arrivals from London are an Air Mauritius flight from Gatwick, due to land at 7.50am on Friday, and a BA flight, also from Gatwick, due to land at 11.30am tomorrow.
