IAF airlifts 200 stranded passengers from Chennai to Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Indian Air Force airlifted 200 stranded passengers from flood-hit Chennai and flew them to Hyderabad, an official said.

Four transport aircraft took off from Rajali Naval air station near Arakonam, about 70 km from Chennai.

The aircraft will land at Air Force Station, Begumpet on Thursday afternoon, an official of the Air Force Station told IANS.

He said the passengers stranded at bus and railway stations were shifted to Rajali Naval air station and from there they were being airlifted to Hyderabad.

With the Chennai airport shut for operations till December 6, the Rajali Naval air station is being converted into make-shift airport for commercial flights.

National carrier Air India test-landed an Airbus 320 that flew in from Hyderabad at the Navy base on Wednesday night.