Carriers Desperately Align Emergency Fleet Rerouting and Weather Contingencies as Brutal Cyclone Arnab Traps Thousands Across Asian Hubs

Carriers Desperately Align Emergency Fleet Rerouting and Weather Contingencies as Brutal Cyclone Arnab Traps Thousands Across Asian Hubs. Bhogapuram, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Varanasi and Bangkok are experiencing aviation – related travel disruptions due to Cyclone Arnab approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of 28 October 2026. The airlines have temporarily cancelled some flights and the airport authorities at three locations in Andhra Pradesh have temporarily suspended airport operations due to worsening weather conditions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has conducted an aviation readiness review as weather information provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is expected to reach a very severe cyclone intensity with maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph. This disruption primarily impacts domestic passenger travel, regional tourism connectivity and selected international routes. Although temporary, these cancellations were due to operational adjustments related to the weather and do not indicate that the airlines have permanently decided to withdraw any routes.

Air India and Akasa Air Cancel Delhi Connections

Air India has reported six flight cancellations involving its Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi services on 27 October and Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi services scheduled for 28 October.

Akasa Air has also cancelled its Delhi–Bhogapuram–Delhi services scheduled for 28 October. The airline’s other flights were expected to operate normally according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s update.

These cancellations affect passengers travelling between the national capital and Andhra Pradesh, including business travellers, domestic tourists and people visiting the region for personal commitments.

For tourism, Delhi is an important connecting gateway for visitors travelling onwards to Andhra Pradesh’s coastal destinations, religious attractions and emerging tourism locations. Disruptions to these connections can require travellers to reconsider their arrival schedules and onward transport arrangements.

Air India Express Cancels 13 Flights Including Varanasi Bangkok Services

Air India Express has reported 13 flight cancellations, primarily involving services connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.

The cancellations also include the Varanasi–Bangkok and Bangkok–Visakhapatnam services.

The international connections are particularly relevant to travellers planning journeys between India’s religious tourism destinations and Thailand’s major visitor markets. Varanasi attracts domestic and international visitors for its temples, ghats and cultural heritage, while Bangkok serves as an important gateway for Thailand’s leisure, shopping and cultural tourism.

The disruption to these flights affects passengers with immediate travel plans between the destinations. Travellers connecting through Bangkok or planning onward journeys from Visakhapatnam should confirm their flight arrangements before proceeding to the airport.

The cancellations do not indicate a permanent withdrawal of the international services.

Visakhapatnam Vijayawada and Rajahmundry Airports Suspend Operations

Airport operations have faced significant restrictions across coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Visakhapatnam airport suspended operations from the afternoon of 27 October. Vijayawada and Rajahmundry airports suspended all flight operations after 7 pm on the same day.

These interruptions affect access to several tourism destinations across the state.

Visakhapatnam is an important coastal tourism destination, known for its beaches, Kailasagiri, Submarine Museum and proximity to Araku Valley. The city also serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the wider northern Andhra Pradesh region.

Vijayawada provides access to the Kanaka Durga Temple, the Krishna River waterfront and nearby destinations such as Amaravati. Rajahmundry is an important gateway for travellers exploring the Godavari region, including river cruises and the scenic landscapes around Papikondalu.

With airport operations suspended, visitors relying on air connections to these destinations may face changes to their itineraries. Road and rail alternatives may be considered where services are operating, although travellers must account for possible weather-related disruption.

The Ministry has also warned that waterlogging and road closures are possible across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Cyclone Arnab Could Affect Wider Regional Travel

The aviation impact extends beyond the immediate airport closures. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, are expected to experience the greatest disruption.

Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur may also experience consequential delays depending on the cyclone’s movement.

This creates additional uncertainty for tourists planning multi-city journeys, particularly those using connecting flights to reach coastal destinations or international gateways.

The Ministry has emphasised coordination between the Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, IMD, airlines, airport operators and disaster management authorities to maintain aviation safety.

Travel Advisory for Domestic and International Passengers

Carriers Desperately Align Emergency Fleet Rerouting and Weather Contingencies as Brutal Cyclone Arnab Traps Thousands Across Asian Hubs. All pax heading to airports which might be affected in Andhra Pradesh on 28 October are recommended to check the current flight status on airline websites/apps or on the airline helpline or via SMS before leaving to the airports. The Ministry further requested to airlines to implement the relevant rebooking and refund rules and updates the affected airports accordingly for informing passengers about the cancelation or delay of flights. The Ministry has specifically urged passengers to verify the arrangements for their alternate flights before making onward travel arrangements ( connecting flights, accommodation and onward tourism tours). Visitors to Andhra Pradesh should also stay apprised of the local weather forecast and current road conditions before moving from their current location to another location in the state. The Ministry has issued its passenger-support advisory for elderly, women and children, persons with reduced mobility, persons requiring mobility aids or medical equipment and persons with medical conditions. The government said it will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as weather conditions or airport operations are changed.

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