Cyclone Arnab: Bhubaneswar Airport Keeps Flights Operating, Director Assures Full Preparedness

Cyclone Arnab: Bhubaneswar Airport Keeps Flights Operating, Director Assures Full Preparedness

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Flight operations at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar continued normally on Tuesday, with no cancellations reported as Cyclone Arnab approached the Odisha coast. Airport authorities have completed precautionary preparations and are closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure passenger safety.

 Representational Image 

BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan said the airport was operating as usual, as the prevailing weather forecast did not indicate conditions severe enough to warrant a shutdown. However, he clarified that officials remain on alert and any operational decisions would depend on changes in the weather and prevailing safety requirements.

Airport Completes Pre-Cyclone Preparations

According to Pradhan, the airport has implemented its prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical instructions and operational guidelines to prepare for the potential impact of the cyclone.

A coordination meeting with relevant stakeholders was also held to review preparedness and ensure that necessary arrangements were in place to respond to changing weather conditions.

“We have completed our pre-cyclonic preparedness measures. Based on the forecast from the Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar is not impacted severely enough to warrant a shutdown of flight operations. However, we are fully alert for any situation. If required, we will make a decision at that time,” Pradhan said.

Flight Safety Remains the Priority

The airport director said flight operations would continue as long as weather conditions remained suitable for safe flying. In the event of rain or other weather-related challenges, decisions would be taken by pilots and relevant authorities in accordance with established safety procedures.

Airport officials are also prepared to manage possible flight delays or diversions if conditions deteriorate. The arrangements are intended to maintain operational safety while minimising inconvenience to passengers.

Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving at a reported speed of around 20 kmph. Rain and strong winds have been reported in parts of Odisha, while further deterioration in weather conditions was expected on Tuesday night, according to the report.

Passengers Urged to Check Flight Status

With weather conditions potentially changing at short notice, Pradhan has advised air travellers to remain calm and verify their flight status before leaving for the airport.

“Please do not panic. Just check your flight status before leaving home. That is my advice. Please check your flight status before coming to the airport,” he said.

Passengers are advised to check updates directly with their respective airlines and allow sufficient time for their journeys. Although flight services were operating normally at the time of the statement, schedules could be affected if weather conditions worsen.

Airport authorities will continue to assess the situation and take necessary measures in line with official weather forecasts and aviation safety requirements as Cyclone Arnab approaches the Odisha coast.