Cyclone Arnab is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. As a result, flights to and from Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry airports have been cancelled to ensure passenger safety.
- Flights at Visakhapatnam airport suspended since October 27 afternoon.
- Services at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports halted after 7 pm on October 27.
- Winds expected to reach 125–135 kmph with gusts up to 150 kmph.
- Flight cancellations affect routes connecting Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and other cities including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangkok.
- Passengers advised to check flight status and avoid travel unless flights are confirmed.
What is the current status of Cyclone Arnab?
The Civil Aviation Ministry has reported that Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The storm is forecasted to bring strong winds ranging from 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph. These conditions pose significant risks to air travel and local infrastructure.
Which airports are affected by the cyclone?
Flight operations at Visakhapatnam airport were suspended on the afternoon of October 27. Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports also halted services after 7 pm on the same day. These cancellations primarily impact flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, including Bhubaneswar.
How are airlines responding to the cyclone?
Several airlines have cancelled flights to ensure safety. Air India cancelled six flights on the Delhi-Visakhapatnam-Delhi and Delhi-Vijayawada-Delhi routes. Air India Express cancelled 13 flights, mainly connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada, including international routes like Varanasi-Bangkok and Bangkok-Visakhapatnam. IndiGo suspended all flights at Visakhapatnam and services at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry after 7 pm on October 27. Akasa Air cancelled its Delhi-Bhogapuram flights scheduled for October 28. Alliance Air reported normal operations with no cancellations so far.
What advice has the Ministry of Civil Aviation given to passengers?
The Ministry advises passengers to check their flight status through airline websites, mobile apps, helplines, or SMS before heading to the airport. Travelers are urged not to travel unless their flight is confirmed and to allow extra time for their journey due to possible waterlogging and road closures in coastal areas. Airlines and airport operators are instructed to provide assistance to vulnerable passengers, including senior citizens, persons with reduced mobility, parents with infants, and those needing medical help.
What should passengers do if they face issues with their flights?
Passengers experiencing unresolved complaints should first contact their airline. If the issue remains unresolved, they can use the AirSewa portal or application for further assistance. Airlines are also expected to comply with rules regarding rebooking and refunds in light of the adverse weather conditions.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with the India Meteorological Department to ensure safety and preparedness during Cyclone Arnab's impact on the region.
