Cyclonic storm Dana: Kolkata airport to suspend flight operations from 6 pm on October 24

Kolkata airport suspends operations due to cyclone Dana, impacting flights for 15 hours; passengers advised to stay updated.

“The Kolkata airport authorities decided to suspend flight operations for 15 hours from 6 p.m. on Thursday (October 24, 2024) in view of the possible impact of cyclone Dana,” an official said.

“The step was taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers, airline employees, various equipment, navigational aids and infrastructure,” the Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said on Wednesday (October 23, 2024).

“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,” an AAI spokesperson said.

The IMD said that the cyclone is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in neighbouring Odisha early Friday. The maximum speed during the landfall process is likely to be around 120 kmph.

“To ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft, all stakeholders, including ATC, CNS (communication, navigation and surveillance department), chairman and vice chairman of AOC (airport operators committee), 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 around 60 kmph to 70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, with heavy rain at Kolkata and adjoining areas.

“We are anticipating severe crosswinds during the cyclonic storm. Take off and landing of aircraft during such weather conditions are very difficult,” he said.