Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stepped forward to assist hundreds of Indian nationals who find themselves stranded at Colombo's main international airport due to severe weather conditions. In an official communication dated Saturday, November 29, 2025, the CM reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, pledging Kerala's full support in resolving the crisis.
Cyclone Causes Major Airport Disruption
The situation unfolded when a powerful cyclone severely disrupted operations at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, leaving approximately 300 Indian passengers stranded without clear departure options. Aviation authorities were forced to limit or cancel flights as the extreme weather conditions made air travel unsafe.
Among the affected travelers, many are reported to be from Kerala, adding urgency to the state government's intervention. The stranded passengers have been facing uncertainty about their return journey, with limited information about when normal flight operations might resume.
Kerala Government's Proactive Response
In his letter to the External Affairs Minister, CM Vijayan emphasized the immediate need for coordinated efforts to assist the stranded Indian citizens. The Kerala government has offered to provide all necessary support to complement the central government's efforts in managing this humanitarian situation.
The communication highlights the state's readiness to work with Indian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka to ensure the well-being of affected passengers. This includes potential assistance with accommodation, essential supplies, and coordination of evacuation efforts once weather conditions improve.
Broader Implications for Regional Cooperation
This incident underscores the vulnerability of international travel to sudden weather emergencies in the South Asian region. The quick response from the Kerala government demonstrates the importance of state-level initiatives in supporting Indian citizens abroad during crises.
The collaboration between state and central authorities in such situations reflects India's commitment to citizen welfare overseas. As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, such coordinated responses may become more crucial for ensuring the safety of international travelers from India.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that normal airport operations will resume once the cyclone's impact diminishes and safety conditions are restored for air travel.
