Kolkata Airport Suspends Flights Amid Cyclone Dana Threat

Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations for 15 hours starting 6 pm on Thursday due to Cyclone Dana's threat. The decision, aimed at passenger safety, affects over 400 daily flights. The cyclone is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to the region.

Kolkata airport authorities have announced a temporary suspension of flight operations for 15 hours, starting at 6 pm on Thursday, due to the anticipated impact of Cyclone Dana. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) made this decision prioritizing passenger safety and the protection of infrastructure.

The cyclone is expected to land near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha with winds reaching speeds of up to 120 kmph. In Kolkata, winds could reach 80 kmph coupled with heavy rainfall, posing challenges for aircraft takeoff and landing.

The Kolkata airport handles over 400 flights daily, and this suspension means cancellations and rescheduling for operations during the affected period. Precautionary measures including infrastructure inspections began earlier this week, while other nearby airports like Durgapur remain operational.

(With inputs from agencies.)