Full Breakdown
Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Air and Rail Travel Across Andhra Pradesh
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Flight and Train Cancellations Amid Cyclone Arnab
On October 27 the approach of Cyclone Arnab led to the cancellation of multiple scheduled services. Two IndiGo flights linking Chennai and Bengaluru with Vijayawada were withdrawn, and additional IndiGo routes to Kadapa and Hyderabad were suspended. The following day, October 28, all departures from Vijayawada Airport were cancelled, including Fly91’s Hyderabad-Vijayawada rotations, an Air India Delhi-Vijayawada service, and several IndiGo flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, Kadapa and Hyderabad.
Background & Context: Cyclone Development and Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department reported that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Arnab on October 26 2026. Forecasts indicated rapid strengthening to a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h at landfall. The system was projected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of October 28. Red-message cyclone warnings were issued for the Andhra Pradesh and south-Odisha coasts, and rainfall alerts covered a broad swath of the region.
Data & Statistics: Scope of Disruptions and Preparedness
- Flights cancelled: All Vijayawada departures on October 28; Fly91’s two Hyderabad services; Air India’s Delhi-Vijayawada flight; IndiGo flights 6E 7305/7302 (Chennai), 6E 7247/7246 (Bengaluru), 6E 7711/7712 (Kadapa), 6E 2780/2581 (Hyderabad).
- Train cancellations: More than 50 services between Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and other points.
- Geographic impact: 16 districts, encompassing 2,460 revenue villages and 92 urban areas, lie directly in the cyclone’s trajectory.
- Emergency infrastructure: 1,763 cyclone shelters, 2,907 district-level control rooms, 3,185 nodal officers, and 2,107 Swarna Grama/Ward units activated. NDRF and SDRF teams were positioned across 11 high-risk districts.
Official Statements & Responses
- Air India travel advisory: “Weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Arnab may impact flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada on 27 October.”
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu: Directed all government departments to remain on high alert, set a target of zero casualties, and ordered the establishment of district-level control rooms and frequent mobile alerts.
- State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha: Confirmed monitoring of the storm ahead of municipal elections scheduled for November 1, expressing confidence that the polls could proceed if conditions normalize within two days of landfall.
On-the-Ground Reports
Airport officials at Gannavaram (Krishna district) reported flight cancellations and advised passengers to verify status with airlines. Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad urged residents to stay indoors, while Yanam officials deployed around 100 personnel, JCB machines and tractors to clear drainage channels.
Why It Matters / Impact
The suspension of air and rail services disrupted travel for thousands of passengers and strained logistics for relief operations. The extensive shelter and control-room network aims to mitigate loss of life, but transportation interruptions complicate evacuation and supply distribution.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
This discrepancy highlights a lack of real-time coordination between airlines and airport authorities.
What's Next
Authorities expect Cyclone Arnab to make landfall on October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm. Passengers are advised to monitor airline communications for possible refunds or re-booking under IndiGo’s Plan B facility. The State Election Commission will reassess the feasibility of the November 1 municipal polls after the storm passes, and transport operators remain on standby for further service adjustments.