India's civil aviation ministry reviews safety as Cyclone Arnab threatens flights
A review meeting on Oct 27 assessed aviation safety after the India Meteorological Department warned Cyclone Arnab would hit the Andhra Pradesh coast with winds up to 135 km/h.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a review on Tuesday, Oct 27, to examine aviation safety after the India Meteorological Department forecast Cyclonic Storm Arnab would intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and strike the Andhra Pradesh coast on Oct 28.
What happened
IMD projected wind speeds of 125‑135 km/h with gusts up to 150 km/h. The ministry warned that flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, would be most affected, with possible knock‑on delays in Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur. Operations at Visakhapatnam airport were suspended from the afternoon of Oct 27, and flights at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry were halted after 7 p.m. on the same day. The Delhi–Bhogapuram–Delhi service was cancelled for Oct 28.
What the reports add
New Indian Express reported that Air India cancelled six flights on the Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi route on Oct 27 and the Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi route on Oct 28, while Air India Express cancelled 13 flights, mainly Visakhapatnam‑linked services and the Varanasi‑Bangkok‑Visakhapatnam sector. IndiGo suspended all flights at Visakhapatnam and flights at Vijayawada and Rajahmundry after the evening suspension.
Deccan Chronicle added that the ministry emphasised inter‑agency coordination involving the Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, IMD, airline and airport operators, the National Disaster Response Force and disaster‑management authorities of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal to ensure passenger safety.
What was said
The ministry’s official release, cited by both outlets, stated that the review aimed to “ensure aviation safety” and highlighted the need for “inter‑agency coordination” among the listed stakeholders.
How it came about
Earlier this week, the state’s energy minister ordered utilities to keep power flowing during Cyclone Arnab, mobilising thousands of workers and equipment (Felo report). The aviation review follows those preparations, reflecting a broader government response to the approaching storm.
Key facts
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation held a review meeting on Oct 27 to assess aviation safety ahead of Cyclone Arnab. (newindianexpress.com)
- Visakhapatnam airport operations were suspended from the afternoon of Oct 27. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Air India cancelled six flights on the Delhi–Visakhapatnam route on Oct 27 and the Delhi–Vijayawada route on Oct 28. (newindianexpress.com)
- The ministry stressed coordination with AAI, DGCA, BCAS, IMD, NDRF and state disaster authorities. (deccanchronicle.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-25 — Andhra Pradesh energy minister ordered utilities to keep power flowing during Cyclone Arnab.
- 2026-10-27 — MoCA review meeting on aviation safety; Visakhapatnam airport suspended.
- 2026-10-28 — Cyclone Arnab expected to cross Andhra Pradesh coast.
