Visakhapatnam International Airport halted all 32 scheduled flight operations on Tuesday as severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ intensified over the Bay of Bengal, forcing a complete suspension of air travel. Airport Director N Purushottam confirmed the unprecedented shutdown, noting that the facility typically handles 30 to 32 daily movements, including domestic routes to major cities and international connections. The decision was implemented to ensure passenger safety and protect infrastructure from high winds and heavy rainfall associated with the approaching cyclone.
Precautionary measures were activated well in advance under Airports Authority of India (AAI) protocols, encompassing both pre-cyclone and post-cyclone phases. These include securing aircraft parking areas, reinforcing hangar doors, evacuating ground equipment, and deploying emergency response teams. While two Air India Express flights were preemptively cancelled on October 27, all remaining 30 flights operated normally that day before the full closure on Tuesday. Airport authorities are monitoring weather updates hourly and will reassess operations once the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares the all-clear.
Similar disruptions rippled across Andhra Pradesh’s aviation network. Vijayawada Airport cancelled 16 flights on Tuesday, affecting connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and other key destinations, though five flights managed to operate under marginal conditions. Director Lakshmikanth Reddy explained that airlines independently suspended services based on safety evaluations, with a decision on Wednesday’s schedule expected by evening. Tirupati Airport also reported four flight cancellations, impacting pilgrims and regular travelers during the ongoing festive season.
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The cyclone’s impact extended beyond aviation, severely affecting rail connectivity in the region. South Central Railway (SCR) cancelled a total of 120 trains across its zone on October 27 and Tuesday, including long-distance expresses, passenger services, and suburban trains. Major routes linking Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and coastal Andhra with northern and southern hubs were suspended to prevent accidents on vulnerable tracks prone to waterlogging and debris from gusty winds.
Travelers stranded at airports and railway stations have been advised to contact airlines and railway helplines for rebooking and refund options. Emergency shelters have been opened in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada for affected passengers, while district administrations coordinate with AAI and SCR to manage logistics. As ‘Montha’ nears landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, authorities urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated through official channels for resumption of services.
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