Kolkata airport authorities have decided to suspend flight operations for 15 hours from 18:00 on Thursday due to the possible impact of Cyclone Dana, an official said.
This step has been taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers, flight crews, various equipment, transportation facilities and infrastructure, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said on Wednesday.
“Due to the impact of cyclone Dana on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend flight operations from 6 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25 due to strong winds and heavy rain. in Kolkata,” said an AAI spokesperson.
The IMD said the cyclone is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in neighboring Odisha early Friday. The maximum speed during the fall process is likely to be 120 km/h.
“To ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft, all stakeholders including ATC, CNS (department of communications, navigation and surveillance), chairman and vice-chairman of AOC (aircraft management committee), have unanimously decided to suspend operations,” Kolkata Airport Director Dr Pravat. Ranjan Beuria told PTI.
The Met director at the airport said that the wind speed will be 60 km / h to 70 km / h, increasing to 80 km / h, with heavy rain in Kolkata and nearby areas.
“We are expecting severe storms during the storm. Taking off and landing a plane when there is such weather is very difficult,” he said.
In addition, some transportation services may have to be closed due to strong wind speed, explained the airport director.
On an average, Kolkata airport handles more than 400 flights (arrivals and departures) every day.
The number of flights scheduled to operate during the 15-hour suspension will have to be canceled or rescheduled by the relevant airlines, said an AAI official.
In particular, the Kolkata airport authorities had started preparations to deal with any situation arising out of the severe storm from Tuesday.
Standard operating procedures such as inspection of airport infrastructure and drainage system, inspection and maintenance of all installations are carried out.
Durgapur Airport Director Kazi Nazrul Islam K Mondal said the facility will remain open and operations will be carried out as per schedule.
Referring to X, private carrier Indigo said to its passengers that flights to/from Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar may be affected due to heavy rain and thunderstorm forecast on October 24 and 25.
“We ask that you stay informed about your flight status,” the airline told its passengers.