Heavy rains that have crippled the Chennai city and other parts of Tamil Nadu state in India have shut the busy Chennai airport following flooding of the runway.

All operations at the Chennai airport have been stopped for rest of the day today and 22 trains to and from Chennai have been cancelled.

Several flights to and from Gulf region were affected due to the closure of the airport and some had to be diverted to nearby cities.

The Airports Authority of India has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to all air operators in this regard, an AAI spokesperson said in New Delhi.

The spokesperson said Chennai airport authorities had initially shut operations till this morning but due to incessant rains it has now decided to extend it till 6 am tomorrow.

Hundreds of passengers and wordkers are stranded at the Chennai international airport. One TV report said the aiport may remain closed till December 6.