The Civil Aviation Ministry is reviewing flight safety protocols as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast with high wind speeds. This situation is significant because it has led to widespread flight cancellations and delays across several Indian states to ensure passenger safety.
Simple details
- The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
- Forecasted wind speeds reach 125–135 km/h.
- Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have cancelled some flights to Visakhapatnam.
- Operations at Visakhapatnam airport have remained suspended since Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Flights in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were suspended after 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Reviewing aviation safety measures
The Civil Aviation Ministry held a review meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2026, to assess the impact of the approaching storm.
Officials are focused on maintaining interagency coordination to manage the risks posed by the cyclone.
This meeting included key stakeholders such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
The Airports Authority of India is also involved in the planning process.
The India Meteorological Department is providing essential weather data to help authorities make informed decisions regarding flight operations.
It is a complex task to manage these logistics during a severe weather event.
Why this matters for passengers
The cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds of 125–135 km/h, creating dangerous conditions for air travel.
The disruption affects not only coastal regions but also inland cities due to the interconnected nature of flight networks.
- Passengers traveling to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh.
- Travelers with flights scheduled for southern Odisha.
- Individuals with bookings in Bhubaneswar.
- Travelers facing knock-on delays in Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.
How we got here
Cyclone Arnab is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclone before making landfall.
As the storm moves closer to the east coast, aviation authorities have been forced to suspend operations at several airports to protect lives and infrastructure.
Visakhapatnam airport suspended operations on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Additionally, flights in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were suspended after 7 p.m. on the same day as the weather conditions deteriorated.
Reality check
It is important to note that aviation safety is non-negotiable during extreme weather.
While cancellations are frustrating, they are necessary to prevent accidents in high-wind conditions.
Travelers should understand that the situation is fluid.
Changes in the storm's track mean that airports outside the immediate landfall zone could still experience sudden operational halts.
Who should buy and who should skip
- Passengers who have urgent travel needs should check real-time updates before heading to the airport.
- Travelers who have flexible schedules should consider postponing their journeys until the weather clears.
- Travelers who do not have confirmed re-booking options should avoid traveling to affected coastal hubs.
- Passengers who cannot handle potential last-minute cancellations should skip air travel in these regions for now.
What happens next
Authorities are monitoring the storm's track to determine when it will be safe to resume normal air traffic.
Airlines have been advised to follow operational guidelines and keep passengers updated on their travel status.
- Continued monitoring of the storm's path by the India Meteorological Department.
- Potential restoration of flight services once weather conditions improve.
- Ongoing communication from airlines regarding re-booking and refund options for affected passengers.
Verdict
If you have a flight scheduled in the affected regions, it is best to stay home and monitor official airline notifications.
Don't attempt to reach the airport without confirming your flight status, as operations remain highly uncertain due to the severe weather forecast.
You'll find that airlines are required to comply with norms regarding refunds.
It isn't possible to predict exactly when schedules will return to normal, so patience is required.
Key facts at a glance
- The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
- Forecasted wind speeds reach 125–135 km/h.
- Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have cancelled some flights to Visakhapatnam.
- The National Disaster Response Force is involved in the coordination efforts.
- Operations at Visakhapatnam airport have remained suspended since Tuesday afternoon.
Read the news report this explainer is based on: Cyclone Arnab: Civil Aviation Ministry reviews situation to ensure safety of flight operations.
Source: Ebenezer News Explainer Desk · Ebenezer News Explainer Desk. Published 28 Oct 2026, 01:41 am.
