Air India issued a travel advisory on October 27, 2026, warning passengers about possible flight disruptions to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada as Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab approached the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The airline cautioned that adverse weather could affect flight operations and road connectivity to airports. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before departure and allow additional time for their journey.
The warning came as authorities prepared for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible disruption across coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
Air India’s Travel Advisory for October 27
The airline announced that weather conditions associated with Cyclone Arnab could affect flights to and from:
- Visakhapatnam: Flights arriving at and departing from Visakhapatnam Airport.
- Vijayawada: Flights operating to and from Vijayawada Airport.
Passengers were asked to monitor updates through Air India’s official flight-status service and avoid leaving for the airport without checking whether their flight was operating.
The airline also warned that road journeys could be affected by adverse weather conditions. Travellers were advised to leave additional time for reaching the airport, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
Airport Operations and Flight Cancellations
The disruption extended beyond Air India’s initial advisory. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed airport operations and airline preparedness as the cyclone approached.
According to the ministry’s update issued late on October 27:
| Airport | Operational status during the cyclone |
|---|---|
| Visakhapatnam | Flight operations suspended from the afternoon of October 27 |
| Vijayawada | Flights suspended after 7 PM on October 27 |
| Rajahmundry | Flights suspended after 7 PM on October 27 |
Air India reported six cancellations across the Delhi–Visakhapatnam–Delhi service on October 27 and the Delhi–Vijayawada–Delhi service on October 28.
Air India Express also cancelled 13 flights, mainly involving services connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada. Other airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, announced additional cancellations.
The cancellation figures were described as provisional during the operational review.
Cyclone Arnab Expected to Bring Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds
The flight disruptions followed warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about the storm’s expected movement towards the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
On October 27, authorities were preparing for the possibility of Arnab intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, on October 28.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation cited forecasts of sustained winds of approximately 125–135 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 150 kmph.
Coastal districts were particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. Authorities also prepared cyclone shelters, control rooms and emergency response teams to manage potential impacts.
The adverse weather posed challenges not only for aviation but also for road transport and access to essential services.
What Passengers Were Advised to Do
Travellers scheduled to fly to or from coastal Andhra Pradesh during the disruption period were advised to take several precautions:
Check flight status: Passengers should verify their flight through the airline’s website, app, helpline or SMS updates before leaving for the airport.
Allow extra travel time: Heavy rainfall, waterlogging and possible road closures could affect airport transfers.
Monitor airline notifications: Passengers should watch for cancellation, delay and rebooking announcements from their airline.
Follow refund and rebooking instructions: The Ministry of Civil Aviation asked airlines to follow applicable passenger-protection requirements and communicate changes to affected customers.
For unresolved complaints, passengers were advised to approach the airline first and subsequently use the government’s AirSewa portal or app.
Aviation Safety Takes Priority During Severe Weather
The disruption highlighted how tropical cyclones can affect India’s domestic aviation network beyond the areas directly exposed to the storm.
Airport closures, aircraft operating restrictions and changes to flight schedules can also affect connecting services and journeys through nearby cities.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation coordinated with airport operators, airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, IMD and disaster-management agencies to assess conditions and support passenger safety.
For airlines, operating decisions during such weather events depend on airport conditions, wind speeds, visibility and other operational safety requirements.
The October 27 advisory served as an early warning for travellers heading to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, while subsequent airport suspensions and cancellations demonstrated the scale of the disruption caused by Cyclone Arnab.
