Kolkata Airport Suspends Flight Operations from 6 PM Due to Cyclone Dana's Expected Impact

The Kolkata airport will halt flight operations for 15 hours starting at 6 pm on Thursday due to cyclone Dana's anticipated impact, according to an official. This decision prioritises the safety of passengers, airline staff, and infrastructure, as stated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Wednesday.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday, with winds reaching up to 120 kmph. "In view of cyclone Dana's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 6 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata," an AAI spokesperson said.

Flight Operations and Safety Measures

To ensure passenger and aircraft safety, all stakeholders, including ATC and CNS departments, agreed to suspend operations. Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, Kolkata airport Director, confirmed this decision. The Met Director noted that wind speeds could reach 80 kmph with heavy rain in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Severe crosswinds are expected during the storm, making aircraft take-offs and landings challenging. Some navigational aids may need to be shut down due to high winds, explained the airport director. On average, Kolkata airport manages over 400 flights daily.

Impact on Scheduled Flights

Flights scheduled during the suspension period will either be cancelled or rescheduled by airlines, an AAI official mentioned. Preparations began on Tuesday to handle potential storm-related issues. Standard procedures like infrastructure inspections and drainage checks are underway.

Durgapur's Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport will remain operational as planned, according to Director K Mondal. Meanwhile, Indigo informed passengers via X that flights to/from Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar might face disruptions due to forecasted heavy rains and thunderstorms on October 24 and 25.

The airline advised passengers to stay updated on their flight status amid these weather conditions. This proactive approach aims to minimise inconvenience while ensuring safety during the cyclone's impact.