Aviation ministry suspends ops at three Andhra airports as Cyclone Arnab intensifies
Source Entity
PRISHA PATNAIK
Cyclone Arnab is set to make landfall near the Yanam-Kakinada region, prompting the suspension of airport operations and public events in Andhra Pradesh. Authorities have initiated mass evacuations and safety measures, including securing 30,000 fishing boats, as the storm intensifies.
Cyclone Arnab Approaches Andhra Coast: A Comprehensive Safety Mobilization
As the very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab' approaches the Andhra Pradesh coastline, the state has entered a phase of high-alert emergency management. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting landfall between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, near the Yanam-Kakinada region, the administration has pivoted toward aggressive disaster mitigation to protect lives and infrastructure.
Aviation and Transport Disruption
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken the decisive step of suspending operations at three airports across Andhra Pradesh to ensure passenger safety. Major carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air, have been forced to ground flights as the storm’s outer bands bring heavy rain and high-velocity winds. Passengers are being strongly advised to monitor their flight statuses closely as the logistical grid adjusts to the volatile weather conditions.
Protecting Livelihoods and Public Spaces
The impact of Cyclone Arnab extends beyond aviation. Recognizing the vulnerability of coastal communities, authorities have successfully brought 30,000 fishing boats ashore, mitigating the risk of maritime loss. Simultaneously, the National SARAS Mela–2026 in Vijayawada has been temporarily closed to the public. As noted by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), this measure is essential to ensure the safety of SHG members, artisans, and visitors amid the rainfall alerts issued by the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).
Regional Impact and Evacuation Protocols
Northern districts of Andhra Pradesh have already reported significant rainfall and preliminary destruction, including one confirmed fatality. The situation is equally tense in southern Odisha, where officials have imposed transport curbs and shuttered ghat roads to prevent transit accidents. The mobilization of emergency services, including the deployment of local authorities to evacuate high-risk zones, underscores the gravity of this 'very severe' category storm.
Climate Context and Future Outlook
Cyclone Arnab’s path—intensifying as it moves across the west-central Bay of Bengal—highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclonic events in the region. The decision to accelerate the landfall timeline from forenoon to the early morning hours reflects the unpredictable nature of these systems. As the storm makes landfall, the primary focus will shift from preparation to rapid search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Conclusion and Community Vigilance
The state remains under the highest danger signals, particularly near the Kakinada port. While the National SARAS Mela is scheduled to reopen on October 29, the resumption of normal life will depend entirely on the post-landfall assessment. Citizens are urged to adhere to official advisories, avoid coastal areas, and prioritize safety as the region navigates the peak of this severe weather event.
Multiple Citing Sources