Kolkata Airport To Suspend All Flights Tomorrow As Cyclone Dana Looms: Urgent Updates For Qatar, Emirates, And Air India Passengers

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Kolkata Airport will suspend all flights for 15 hours as Cyclone Dana approaches. Major airlines, including Qatar, Emirates, and Air India, are affected. Stay updated.

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is set to halt all flight operations for 15 hours, starting at 6 pm on Thursday and resuming at 9 am on Friday, as Cyclone Dana draws closer. This suspension will affect all inbound and outbound flights, including services from major carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Air India, IndiGo, and Thai Airways. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made this decision to prioritize the safety of passengers, airport personnel, and facilities. Travelers should stay updated on any flight changes and anticipate delays.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early on Friday. Landfall is projected to start on Thursday night and extend into Friday morning, with wind speeds potentially reaching 120 km/h. Both travelers and airlines should remain alert to updates regarding this severe weather event.

Airport Operations and Flight Capacity
As a crucial travel hub in eastern India, Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport plays a significant role in both business and leisure travel. Airports in nearby cities, including Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, and Guwahati, are also likely to experience disruptions due to Cyclone Dana’s impact. Travelers passing through these locations should monitor developments closely to avoid inconvenience.

Kolkata Airport has undergone substantial improvements in recent years, increasing its capacity to manage about 390 flights daily, with the potential to handle up to 607 on peak days. The main runway is capable of accommodating up to 45 flights per hour. However, with the approaching cyclone, these operations will come to a halt temporarily, pausing the airport’s daily activities.

Although efforts are being made to minimize disruptions, the suspension of flights will inevitably affect travel schedules. Once operations resume, there is likely to be a surge in demand as airlines work to recover from delays and rescheduled flights.

Airlines Operating from Kolkata Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport functions as a major gateway for both domestic and international air travel. Leading domestic airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Vistara provide extensive connectivity within India. On the international front, carriers including Air India Express, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Druk Air, AirAsia, Fly Dubai, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines connect Kolkata with important destinations across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Overall, 24 airlines operate flights from Kolkata to 66 destinations in 11 countries.

As the cyclone approaches, airlines will experience major delays and cancellations. Passengers should remain informed via official communication channels and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Train Cancellations
In light of the approaching cyclone, Indian Railways has canceled over 300 trains between October 23 and 25 to ensure passenger safety. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has provided a list of affected services, including prominent routes like the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express, and Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express.

Extensive Preparations in Place
With Cyclone Dana approaching, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized 56 teams across five states, including West Bengal and Odisha.Of these, 20 teams are stationed in Odisha, with one held in reserve, while West Bengal has 17 teams, 13 of which are on standby. State disaster response forces are also ready to assist if needed.

The governments of West Bengal and Odisha have initiated preparations to safeguard residents, with plans to evacuate two million people from vulnerable areas. Schools, colleges, and offices have been closed in both states since Wednesday and will remain shut for three days as a safety measure.

Safety First, Passenger Commitment
Kolkata Airport’s decision to suspend operations emphasizes its commitment to ensuring safety above all else. While the halt in flights will cause significant disruption to travel plans, these actions are necessary to protect everyone involved. Airport authorities are closely monitoring the cyclone’s progress, working in coordination with the IMD, and will issue updates as required.

For travelers, staying informed, maintaining flexibility, and prioritizing safety are essential steps during this challenging period.

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