Qatar, Emirates, Air India, And More Brace For Flight Disruptions As Cyclone Dana Nears Kolkata

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Cyclone Dana threatens Kolkata Airport, causing potential disruptions for flights from Qatar, Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, and Singapore Airlines.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata is bracing for potential closure as Cyclone Dana intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, drawing closer to the Odisha-Bengal coastline. The looming severe weather is already disrupting flight schedules, and conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days. Multiple airlines have delayed or canceled flights, and the region’s railway network is heavily affected, with over 350 train cancellations, adding to the travel challenges for thousands of passengers.

Cancellations Mount Across Flights and Railways

Several airlines have delayed or canceled flights in light of the approaching cyclone. While it’s uncertain if all delays are directly linked to the storm, major airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have either delayed or canceled multiple services. The airport, which typically manages around 390 flights daily, is operating below its pre-pandemic capacity of 470 flights, and the storm threatens to further strain operations.

In addition to flight disruptions, Indian Railways has announced the cancellation of more than 350 trains in response to Cyclone Dana. Key routes connecting Kolkata with various parts of West Bengal, Odisha, and other neighboring states have been halted for safety. Significant cancellations include trains such as the Howrah-Secunderabad (October 24), Shalimar-Puri (October 24), Kamakhya-Bangalore (October 23), New Delhi-Bhubaneswar (October 23), and Kharagpur-Villupuram (October 24). Travelers are advised to check the latest updates from Indian Railways to minimize disruption.

Deteriorating Weather in West Bengal

West Bengal is expected to experience escalating weather conditions starting on October 23, with the worst impact anticipated on October 24 and 25. Southern districts are preparing for heavy rainfall and strong winds, while Northern Bengal has yet to receive official warnings, though adverse weather is still possible. Cyclone Dana is projected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 24, with coastal areas at high risk. Landfall is expected between Baleshwar and Kendrapara, near the Bhitarkanika mangroves, with wind speeds ranging from 80 to 120 km/h.

A red alert has been issued for the South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Jhargram districts, where rainfall could surpass 200 mm. An orange alert has been declared for districts including North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Purulia, and Bankura, forecasting rainfall between 70 and 200 mm. Additionally, Murshidabad, Birbhum, East and West Burdwan, and Nadia districts are under a yellow alert, expecting moderate to heavy rainfall. Winds in Medinipur and Jhargram could reach 100 km/h, while other regions of South Bengal are likely to experience winds between 40 and 80 km/h.

Crosswinds and Flight Safety Concerns

Kolkata Airport officials are particularly concerned about the crosswinds that are expected to affect flight operations. The airport’s two parallel runways, which stretch in a north-south direction, face the challenge of Cyclone Dana’s winds blowing east to west from the Bay of Bengal. This creates hazardous conditions for takeoffs and landings, as planes would have to navigate dangerous crosswinds. An airport official stated, “The winds from the Bay of Bengal are supposed to blow from east to west, which means flights would face crosswinds while landing and taking off.” These risky conditions are the primary reason the airport is preparing for a full shutdown, as passenger and staff safety remains the top priority.

Kolkata Airport’s Operational Readiness Amid Cyclone

In recent years, Kolkata Airport has enhanced its operational capacity, enabling it to handle up to 45 flights per hour on its main runway. Although the airport currently manages around 390 flights daily, it has the potential to handle up to 607 flights on peak days. The threat of a shutdown due to Cyclone Dana may severely impact this schedule, with airport officials working tirelessly to minimize disruptions caused by the storm.

Key Airlines Operating at Kolkata Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is an essential hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting eastern India to global destinations. It accommodates 24 airlines that operate flights to 66 locations across 11 countries. Major national carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Vistara, provide extensive domestic connectivity. On the international front, airlines like Air India Express, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines link Kolkata to key destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Travel Advisory Amid Cyclone Threat

As Cyclone Dana nears, airport authorities are advising travelers to avoid heading to the airport unless absolutely necessary. With numerous flights delayed or canceled, passengers are urged to stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest updates and rescheduling options. For those stranded at the airport, emergency accommodations and transportation have been arranged to ensure their safety. Local hotels and transport services are stepping in to assist, while airport staff work to provide support.

Ongoing Monitoring of Cyclone Dana’s Impact

Though Kolkata Airport remains operational, authorities are closely watching the storm’s progression. Any decision to halt operations will depend on the severity of the cyclone’s impact. Passengers should be prepared for additional delays or cancellations as weather conditions deteriorate. It is crucial to stay updated through official channels and airline communications to receive real-time information on flight schedules.

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