India halts flights at three Andhra airports as Cyclone Arnab strengthens

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended all flight operations at three airports in Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab intensified, according to the Times of India. The directive, issued on Tuesday, aims to safeguard passengers, crew and ground staff as the storm approaches the coastal region.

Which airports were affected?

The ministry’s notice covered three civil aviation facilities in the state, halting arrivals, departures and cargo services until further notice. The suspension applies uniformly across the identified airports, reflecting standard protocol during severe weather alerts.

Why were flights stopped?

Authorities acted because Cyclone Arnab was projected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding, conditions that threaten runway safety and aircraft handling. The Times of India reported that the ministry follows a precautionary approach, mirroring past actions taken during similar cyclonic events.

What does this mean for travelers and the region?

Passengers with booked tickets are being rebooked or refunded, and airlines are coordinating with ground crews to secure aircraft and equipment. The disruption is expected to be short‑lived, with operations likely to resume once the cyclone moves away and safety assessments are completed.

Cyclone Arnab is part of the annual North Indian Ocean cyclone season, which typically peaks between May and November. Historically, Indian authorities have pre‑emptively closed airports and ports when storms threaten coastal states, a practice that minimizes the risk of accidents and infrastructure damage. The last major cyclone to cause widespread airport closures in the region was Cyclone Nivar in 2020, prompting similar precautionary measures.

The suspension underscores the broader impact of extreme weather on India's transportation network. While the immediate focus is on safety, prolonged disruptions can affect regional commerce, tourism and supply chains, especially in a state like Andhra Pradesh that relies heavily on air connectivity for business and medical travel. As climate patterns shift, such weather‑related interruptions are becoming more frequent, prompting calls for enhanced resilience in aviation infrastructure.