In response to Cyclone Remal, the NSCBI Airport authorities have suspended flight operations for 21 hours starting from noon today. This precautionary measure comes as high winds and heavy rain are expected with the cyclone's predicted landfall on the Bengal-Bangladesh coast around midnight.
A total of 394 flights, including 54 international ones, have been canceled, affecting around 63,000 passengers. Airlines have assured that refunds will be provided. Despite the suspension, most flights managed to depart before noon, and grounded planes will remain anchored.
The weather department reported a deep depression in the east-central Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying and moving northwards. This depression is expected to strengthen into Cyclone Remal, with anticipated landfall between Sagar Island in India and Khepupara in Bangladesh. Wind speeds could range from 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, with temporary surges up to 135 kilometers per hour.
Somnath Dutta, Deputy Director of the Alipore Meteorological Department, indicated that the cyclone would bring significant rainfall and high winds to southern Bengal. A red alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24-Parganas, and East Midnapore, with heavy rainfall exceeding 20 centimeters expected. Wind speeds in the 24 Parganas could reach up to 130 kilometers per hour, while in Kolkata and other affected districts, gusts might reach 90 kilometers per hour.
An orange alert is in place for West Midnapore, East Burdwan, and Nadia, with heavy to very heavy rainfall and wind speeds between 34 and 45 kilometers per hour. The remaining southern districts are under a yellow alert.
In addition to suspending flight operations, overflights are being rerouted by up to 240 kilometers to avoid turbulent conditions. Kolkata airport’s ATC is actively guiding overflights and has established contingency measures, including alternative routes for flights to ensure safety during the cyclone's passage.
