A Cyclone Just Wiped Dozens of Flights Off India’s Southeast Coast

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu crossed India’s southeast coast in Andhra Pradesh around November 3, disrupting flights and trains across the region. The India Meteorological Department had forecast landfall between Nellore and Narasapur late on November 2 or early on November 3, with sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 120. On the morning of November 2 the storm was about 160 kilometers east-southeast of Nellore and 180 kilometers northeast of Chennai.

Airlines cancelled flights in advance. The Week reported at least 19 domestic cancellations: 12 at Vijayawada, four at Visakhapatnam and three at Tirupati. AeroCorner reported that IndiGo cancelled 11 flights at Chennai and 10 rotations at Vijayawada, and Air India Express cancelled two rotations at Vijayawada. Counts vary by outlet, so travelers should check their own booking.

On the ground, schools and colleges closed on November 3 in Bapatla, Nellore, Krishna, NTR, Prakasam and Guntur districts, and the state released 37 crore rupees in relief funds to 17 districts. Forecasts called for around 30 centimeters of rain in Palnadu, 24 in Prakasam and 19 in Markapuram. A Travel Monitor roundup on November 4 said the storm was expected to weaken to a deep depression by midnight, while South Coast Railway diverted seven trains on the Vijayawada-Ongole-Gudur section.

It was the second storm in about a week to hit the same airports: Cyclone Arnab disrupted flights there on October 27 and 28. Travelers heading to coastal Andhra Pradesh or Chennai should expect residual delays from flooding and rebooked schedules, and confirm flights and trains before leaving for the airport or station.

Sources: The Week, AeroCorner