Cyclone Montha has severely disrupted transportation across Andhra Pradesh. All 32 flights scheduled from Visakhapatnam Airport were cancelled on Tuesday due to the impact of the storm. The cyclone, which has been intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, has also caused train cancellations and affected airports in Vijayawada and Tirupati.
All Flights Cancelled from Vizag Airport
Visakhapatnam Airport Director N Purushottam confirmed that both domestic and international flights were grounded for safety reasons. “Actually, we are operating 30 to 32 movements (flights) daily, domestic as well as international. Today, all those flights are cancelled,” he told PTI.
He added that two Air India Express flights had already been cancelled on October 27. “Other than the two cancelled Air India Express flights on Monday, the rest of the 30 flights had operated on October 27,” Purushottam noted.
The airport authorities have implemented all precautionary measures as per the Airports Authority of India (AAI) guidelines. These steps include both pre-cyclone and post-cyclone protocols to ensure the safety of infrastructure and personnel.
Flight Disruptions in Vijayawada and Tirupati
Air travel was also affected in other parts of Andhra Pradesh. The Vijayawada Airport witnessed 16 flight cancellations on Tuesday. However, five flights managed to operate despite adverse weather conditions.
“Yesterday (Monday), there was only one flight cancellation to Vizag. But today, 16 flights were cancelled to various destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, across the country,” said Vijayawada Airport Director Lakshmikanth Reddy.
He added that airlines decided to suspend operations for the day, and further clarity on Wednesday’s flights would emerge by the evening.
Similarly, four flights were cancelled at Tirupati Airport, as strong winds and heavy rainfall made flying conditions unsafe.
120 Trains Cancelled Across South Central Railway Zone
The cyclone has not only disrupted air travel but also hit railway operations hard. A total of 120 trains were cancelled across the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone on October 27 and 28, according to railway officials.
Train services in coastal Andhra and neighbouring regions were halted due to high wind speeds, heavy rain, and safety concerns. Officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and will resume services once conditions improve.
Authorities on High Alert
Authorities have urged passengers to check flight and train updates before travelling. Emergency teams are on standby to manage any disruptions caused by Cyclone Montha. The state government is also coordinating with local agencies to ensure the safety of travellers and infrastructure.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to track Cyclone Montha, warning that strong winds and heavy rains are expected to persist for the next 24 hours.
