Cyclone Arnab Hits Andhra Coast: 21 Flights Cancelled in Vijayawada as AP Pilgrims Stranded Abroad

Cyclone Arnab struck the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, triggering widespread flight cancellations at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports and disrupting the return journey of hundreds of Andhra Pradesh pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia. The storm has forced authorities and airlines to implement emergency protocols as residents brace for heavy rainfall and strong winds across the region.

Cyclone Arnab Forces Cancellation of 21 Flights at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam

Cyclone Arnab's approach to the Andhra Pradesh coastline prompted authorities to cancel at least 21 flights operating at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports, according to a photo report published by Telegraph India. As the storm neared the Andhra coast, aviation authorities assessed the risk and suspended flight operations to protect passengers and crew from the dangerous weather conditions the cyclone brought with it. The cancellations affected both domestic and international routes, leaving passengers scrambling to rebook or make alternative travel arrangements. Airports in both cities went on high alert, with ground staff and emergency services on standby. Vijayawada's airport, serving as a key transit hub for the Krishna district and surrounding areas, saw operations suspended as wind speeds and rainfall associated with the approaching cyclone made flight operations unsafe. Residents in coastal and low-lying areas of Andhra Pradesh were advised by state authorities to stay indoors, move to safer locations where necessary, and follow updates from the National Disaster Management Authority. The images captured by Telegraph India's photo team showed the scale of the storm's impact as it neared the shore, with rough seas and darkening skies visible along the Andhra coastline ahead of the cyclone making landfall. [1]

🤝 Around 600 AP Pilgrims Stranded in Saudi Arabia Amid Flight Disruptions

Approximately 600 Andhra Pradesh pilgrims found themselves stranded in Saudi Arabia as flight disruptions caused by Cyclone Arnab compounded ongoing air service challenges between India and the Gulf region. The Times of India reported that many of these pilgrims had traveled to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes and were awaiting return flights to Andhra Pradesh that were either cancelled or indefinitely delayed. The Indian consulate in Jeddah and other diplomatic staff have been in contact with stranded passengers to provide guidance and support. For many of the pilgrims—often elderly devotees who had saved for years to undertake a religious journey—the unexpected extension of their stay has been a source of significant distress. Family members in Andhra Pradesh have been in contact with government officials and community organizations seeking information and assistance for their loved ones abroad. The AP government has urged the central government and the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite arrangements for the stranded pilgrims' return as soon as flights resume normal operations. Airlines operating the Jeddah-Vijayawada route have been asked to prioritize these passengers once weather conditions allow flight operations to resume at Andhra Pradesh airports. [2]

Air India Halts Flights to Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Arnab Approaches

Air India announced the cancellation of its flights serving Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports as Cyclone Arnab approached the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. The national carrier joined other airlines in suspending services to both airports as deteriorating weather conditions made it unsafe to operate. For passengers holding Air India tickets to or from these cities, the airline began issuing advisories about cancellations and rescheduling options. Travellers connecting through Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to onward destinations faced cascading disruptions as the cancellations rippled across the aviation network. The Deccan Chronicle report noted that Cyclone Arnab's impact on Andhra Pradesh was being closely tracked by state and central disaster management authorities. Air India and other carriers indicated they would resume operations as soon as conditions improved and airport authorities confirmed it was safe to do so. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for rebooking and to monitor official government and airport announcements. For the broader Andhra Pradesh community, the cyclone's timing—just as many residents were navigating ongoing disruptions from the separate Saudi Arabia flight suspension affecting pilgrims—added an additional layer of challenge to what was already a stressful period for families with members traveling to and from the region. [3]

Sources: [1] Telegraph India · [2] The Times of India · [3] Deccan Chronicle