Cyclone Arnab Sparks Major Flight Disruptions in Eastern India
As Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ is predicted to strengthen into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken proactive measures to ensure aviation safety. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 125–135 km/h, with gusts potentially hitting 150 km/h. This alarming forecast has prompted a review meeting to assess the situation, particularly for flights operating from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, which face the greatest impact.
Airports in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry are particularly affected, with operations already suspended at noon on October 27 in Visakhapatnam. Additionally, all flights from Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were halted after 7 PM on the same day, with the Delhi–Bhogapuram–Delhi service also cancelled for October 28.
Current Flight Cancellations
Several airlines have announced significant cancellations in response to the impending storm:
- Air India: Six cancellations for flights between Delhi and Visakhapatnam (October 27) and between Delhi and Vijayawada (October 28).
- Air India Express: Thirteen cancellations, primarily affecting flights to and from Visakhapatnam and other routes, including Varanasi–Bangkok.
- IndiGo: All flights have been suspended in Visakhapatnam, with cancellations in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry starting from 7 PM on October 27.
- Akasa Air: The Delhi–Bhogapuram route is cancelled on October 28, while other flights are expected to continue.
- Alliance Air: Currently operating without cancellations.
Airlines are urged to comply with operational guidelines regarding adverse weather and communicate any delays or cancellations to passengers effectively. Travelers are also encouraged to check their flight status via airline websites, apps, or helplines before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary trips.
Travel Advisory
In light of road closures and potential waterlogging across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, passengers should plan for extra travel time. The Secretary of the Ministry has instructed airlines and airport operators to provide necessary assistance to vulnerable travelers, including senior citizens and those with mobility issues.
Passengers facing unresolved complaints are advised to first approach their airline and, if needed, escalate their issue through the AirSewa portal or app. The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasizes that safety remains the top priority, promising to issue updates as conditions evolve.
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