Kolkata: In light of the approaching Cyclone Dana the Kolkata airport authorities have decided to suspend all flight operations for 15 hours, starting from 6 pm on Thursday until 9 am on Friday, an official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced. The decision aims to ensure the safety of passengers, employees, and infrastructure as the cyclone is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The suspension comes as Kolkata braces for the effects of Cyclone Dana, which is predicted to hit the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the cyclone will make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday, with wind speeds potentially reaching 120 km/h.
Kolkata airport director Dr. Pravat Ranjan Beuria emphasized that the suspension was agreed upon unanimously by all stakeholders, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the communication and navigation department. He noted that severe crosswinds and heavy rain would make aircraft takeoffs and landings hazardous.
The 15-hour suspension will affect over 400 flights that operate daily at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Airlines will either cancel or reschedule flights scheduled during this period, and passengers are advised to check flight status regularly.
Meanwhile, Durgapur’s Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport will remain operational during this time. Airlines like IndiGo have already issued alerts to passengers about potential disruptions in Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar due to the cyclone.
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