Cyclone Arnab Chaos: Flights Grounded as Aviation Ministry Braces for Severe Storm
Ministry of Civil Aviation reviews operational readiness as Cyclone Arnab hits Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, causing widespread flight cancellations.
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has shifted into high gear to manage the impact of Cyclone Arnab flight cancellations and operational disruptions. As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that the storm is likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, the government has convened an emergency review meeting to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft across the affected regions.
Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, bringing devastating winds ranging from 125-135 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 150 kmph. The aviation ministry has identified coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, as the zones most likely to face severe disruptions.
Flight Disruptions and Airport Closures
The storm's impact has already led to significant operational halts. At Visakhapatnam airport, all operations were suspended starting the afternoon of October 27. Similarly, flights at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports were grounded after 7 pm on the same day.
The ripple effects of the storm are expected to extend beyond the coast, with potential knock-on delays anticipated in cities such as Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur, depending on the storm's movement.
Airline-Specific Cancellations
- Air India: Reported 6 cancellations on the Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi and Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi routes.
- Air India Express: Saw 13 cancellations, primarily affecting Visakhapatnam flights to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada, as well as the Varanasi–Bangkok and Bangkok–Visakhapatnam sectors.
- IndiGo: Suspended all flights at Visakhapatnam, and halted operations at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry after 7 pm on October 27.
- Akasa Air: Cancelled the Delhi–Bhogapuram return service on October 28, though other flights are expected to run.
- Alliance Air: Currently operating normally with no reported cancellations.
Furthermore, the inclement weather has reached West Bengal, where several flights at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata have been cancelled or disrupted as a safety precaution.
Inter-Agency Coordination for Safety
To manage the crisis, the MoCA has emphasized the need for seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders. This includes the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the IMD. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and disaster management authorities from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are working in tandem to ensure passenger safety.
Important Advisory for Passengers
With waterlogging and road closures expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the Ministry has issued several directives for travelers:
- Check Status: Passengers are strongly advised to verify their flight status via the airline's official website, app, helpline, or SMS before heading to the airport.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Travelers are requested not to leave for the airport unless their flight is confirmed.
- Plan Extra Time: Due to likely road closures and flooding, passengers should factor in additional travel time to reach the terminals.
The Secretary of Civil Aviation has urged airlines and airport operators to provide extra support to vulnerable passengers, including senior citizens, persons with reduced mobility, parents traveling with infants, and those with medical emergencies.
For any unresolved grievances, passengers are encouraged to first contact the airline and subsequently use the AirSewa portal or app to lodge a complaint. The Ministry has reiterated that safety remains the absolute priority and will continue to provide updates as the weather situation evolves.