In the light of IMD inputs that expects Cyclonic Storm "Arnab" to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October, with winds of 125–135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) organised a review meeting to assess the situation and ensure aviation safety. Flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha (including Bhubaneswar) are expected to be most affected. Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur may see knock-on delays depending on the storm's track. MoCA stressed on inter agency coordination between stakeholders like AAI, DGCA, BCAS, IMD, airline and airport operators, NDRF, disaster management authorities of AP, Odisha and WB and others to ensure passenger safety.

Airport status

In Visakhapatnam, operations were suspended since the afternoon of 27 October. While in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, all flights suspended after 7 pm on 27 October. Delhi–Bhogapuram–Delhi service stands cancelled on 28 October.

Airline updates

• Air India: 6 cancellations on Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi (27 Oct) and Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi (28 Oct).
• Air India Express: 13 cancellations, mostly Visakhapatnam flights to and from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada, plus Varanasi–Bangkok and Bangkok–Visakhapatnam.
• IndiGo: all flights suspended at Visakhapatnam, and at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry after 7 pm on 27 October. Cancellation figures are provisional.
• Akasa Air: Delhi–Bhogapuram and return (28 Oct) cancelled; all other flights expected to operate.
• Alliance Air: operating normally, with no cancellations so far.

Airlines are advised to adhere to operational guidelines regarding adverse weather and inform passengers on delays or cancellations and comply with applicable norms of re-booking and refunds.

Passengers are advised to check flight status on airline's website, app, helpline or SMS before leaving for the airport. They are requested to not travel unless your flight is confirmed. Passengers should also factor extra travel time. Waterlogging and road closures are likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Secretary advised airlines and airport operators to extend all support to passengers senior citizens, persons with reduced mobility, parents with infants and medical cases. In case of Unresolved complaint, passengers are requested to raise it with the airline first, then through the AirSewa portal or app.

Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterates that safety is the first priority and will keep issuing updates as conditions change.

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Divyanshu Kumar

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