Cyclone Arnab: Flights cancelled in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry; delays likely in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur

What happened

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclonic storm “Arnab” is likely to intensify into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’. It is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October, with wind speeds of 125–135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph. In view of this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation held a review meeting on 27 October and stressed ensuring aviation safety.

Which flights are affected

Flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha (including Bhubaneswar) are likely to be the most affected. Depending on the storm’s path, flights in Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur may also be delayed.

Operations at Visakhapatnam were stopped from the afternoon of 27 October. All flights at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were cancelled after 7 pm on 27 October. The Delhi–Bhogapuram–Delhi service for 28 October has also been cancelled.

What each airline has done

Air India cancelled a total of 6 flights on the Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi (27 October) and Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi (28 October) routes. Air India Express cancelled 13 flights, mainly between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada, as well as Varanasi–Bangkok and Bangkok–Visakhapatnam flights.

IndiGo stopped all flights at Visakhapatnam and cancelled all flights at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry after 7 pm on 27 October. The ministry said these cancellation figures are preliminary. Akasa Air cancelled its Delhi–Bhogapuram and return flights (28 October); all its other flights are expected to operate normally. Alliance Air is operating normally and has not cancelled any flight so far.

What passengers should do

Airlines have been advised to follow bad-weather operational guidelines, inform passengers about delays or cancellations, and follow re-booking and refund rules.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status on the airline’s website, app, helpline or SMS before leaving for the airport. Do not travel until your flight is confirmed, and allow extra time. Waterlogging and road closures are likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Who will get help

The ministry has advised airlines and airport operators to give all possible assistance to senior citizens, people with difficulty in walking or moving, parents travelling with small children, and passengers with medical cases.

Where to complain

If a complaint is not resolved, passengers are requested to first file it with the airline and then complain through the ‘AirSewa’ portal or app. The ministry has reiterated that safety is the first priority and that updates will be issued as the situation changes.