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Due to the impending threat of cyclone Dana, authorities at Kolkata and Bhubaneswar airports have announced a temporary halt in flight operations. The decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the airports' facilities against the expected severe weather conditions. In Kolkata, flights will not take off or land for a 15-hour period starting from 6 pm on Thursday, while Bhubaneswar will see a 16-hour suspension from Thursday evening.
An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) emphasized that the suspension of operations at both airports was a precautionary measure. It was crucial to protect everyone involved, including airline employees and the infrastructure, from the cyclone's potential damage. "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," noted an AAI spokesperson. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall early Friday, with wind speeds possibly reaching up to 120 kmph between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha.
At the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, similar measures have been taken. The airport will cease operations for 16 hours in anticipation of cyclone Dana. This suspension is set to begin at 5 pm on October 24, extending to 9 am the following day. The IMD's predictions indicate that the cyclone, boasting wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, will hit the area between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port by Friday morning. This airport hosts over 100 flights daily, serving around 15,000 passengers, thereby highlighting the significant impact of the suspension.
The East Coast Railway had already taken steps in anticipation of the cyclone, cancelling 198 trains scheduled between October 23 and 25. This proactive approach by both the railway and airport authorities underscores the seriousness of the cyclonic threat to the region, prioritizing the safety and well-being of thousands of travelers and employees.
In light of these developments, travelers are advised to stay updated on the status of their flights and to prepare for possible delays. The concerted efforts by authorities to mitigate the impact of cyclone Dana illustrate the challenges posed by severe weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of safety in such situations.
