Cyclone Freddy: Mauritius reopens airport as storm heads for Madagascar

Due to the weather conditions, the island’s SSR international airport was closed and flights cancelled on Monday (20 February), but operations restarted on Tuesday morning (21 February) after cyclone warnings were lifted.

Air Mauritius confirmed cancelled flights had been rescheduled. A Heathrow service which was due to depart on Monday (20 February) has been moved to Wednesday (22 February). 

According to the UK Foreign Office, the cyclone is expected to make landfall in Madagascar on the east coast of the island near Manajara at around 9am on Tuesday (21 February).

"Authorities have issued a danger warning for all coastal districts between Toamasina and Farafangana and inland for the regions of Vakinankaratra and Haute Matsiatra," the FCDO said in a statement.

"Very strong winds, high waves, heavy rain, coastal surges, and flooding are expected. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and follow alerts and instructions from the local authorities."