## Cyclone Dana Threatens Kolkata Airport: Flights Disrupted, Trains Cancelled as Storm Approaches
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is bracing for a potential shutdown as Cyclone Dana intensifies in the Bay of Bengal and barrels towards the Odisha-Bengal coast. The severe weather conditions expected in the coming days are already causing significant disruptions to air and rail travel, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and facing travel headaches.
Flight and Train Cancellations Mount
Multiple airlines have announced delays and cancellations, although it’s unclear if all changes are directly related to the approaching storm. Indigo and Akasa Air have delayed numerous services, while SpiceJet has cancelled several flights. The airport, typically handling around 390 flights daily, is operating below its pre-pandemic peak of 470 flights per day. The cyclone is expected to further strain its operations.
Indian Railways has also responded to Cyclone Dana by cancelling over 350 trains. Key routes connecting Kolkata to other parts of West Bengal, Odisha, and neighboring states have been suspended to ensure passenger safety. Some notable canceled trains include the Howrah-Secunderabad train on October 24, the Shalimar-Puri train on October 24, the Kamakhya-Bangalore train on October 23, the New Delhi-Bhubaneswar train on October 23, and the Kharagpur-Villupuram train on October 24. Travelers are advised to stay updated with Indian Railways announcements to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Worsening Weather Conditions in West Bengal
Starting from October 23, West Bengal is expected to experience increasingly harsh weather conditions, with the worst impact anticipated on October 24 and 25. The state’s southern districts are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds, while North Bengal is yet to receive official warnings, though potential rainfall and wind are predicted.
By October 24, Cyclone Dana is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, posing a significant risk to coastal regions. The projected landfall is estimated to occur between Baleshwar and Kendrapara, near the Bhitarkanika mangrove area, with anticipated wind speeds of 80 to 120 km/h.
A red alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Jhargram districts, where rainfall could exceed 200 mm. An orange alert has been issued for North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, Purulia, and Bankura districts, anticipating heavy rainfall ranging from 70 to 200 mm. Meanwhile, Murshidabad, Birbhum, East and West Burdwan, and Nadia districts are under a yellow alert for moderate to heavy rain. Winds in Medinipur and Jhargram could reach 100 km/h, while the rest of South Bengal is likely to experience wind speeds between 40 and 80 km/h.
Crosswinds and Flight Safety Concerns
Kolkata Airport officials are particularly concerned about the crosswinds expected to impact flight operations. The airport’s two parallel runways, oriented in a north-south direction, face the challenge of Cyclone Dana’s winds blowing east to west from the Bay of Bengal. This creates dangerous conditions for takeoffs and landings, requiring planes to navigate hazardous 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, prioritizing passenger and staff safety.
Kolkata Airport’s Operations and Capacity Enhancements
Despite the severe weather conditions, Kolkata Airport has undergone significant capacity improvements over the years. These enhancements have boosted its efficiency, enabling it to handle up to 45 flights per hour on its primary runway. Currently, the airport manages about 390 flights daily, although reports suggest that up to 607 flights could be scheduled to depart from CCU on a busy day. The looming shutdown threatens to disrupt this schedule, and airport officials are working diligently to mitigate the cyclone’s impact.
Key Airlines Operating from Kolkata Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights, serving as a gateway to the rest of the world for eastern India. The airport hosts 24 airlines operating flights to 66 destinations across 11 countries. Some major national airlines at the airport include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Vistara, offering extensive domestic connectivity. On the international front, airlines such as Air India Express, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines connect Kolkata with destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Passenger Advisory as Cyclone Dana Approaches
Airport authorities are advising passengers to avoid traveling to the airport until the storm passes. With numerous flights canceled or delayed, passengers are urged to contact their airlines for updates and rescheduling options. For those stranded at the airport, emergency accommodations and transportation have been arranged to ensure their safety. Local hotels and transportation services have stepped in to assist, and airport staff are working tirelessly to provide support.
Monitoring Cyclone Dana’s Impact
While Kolkata Airport has not yet closed, authorities are closely monitoring the development of Cyclone Dana. Any decision to suspend operations will depend on the severity of the storm’s impact. Flights may be delayed or canceled as conditions worsen, but the airport remains operational for now. Passengers are urged to stay updated through airline communications and official channels to receive the latest information regarding flight schedules.
