Kolkata: Authorities in Odisha and West Bengal are taking no chances with Cyclone Dana and its possible impact.
Just like Bhubaneswar, flight operations at Kolkata airport will also remain suspended for 15 hours from 6 pm on Thursday to 9 am on Friday, PTI reported.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) said on Wednesday that the decision has been taken keeping in mind safety of passengers, airline employees, various equipment, navigational aids and infrastructure.
“In view of Cyclone Dana’s impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 6 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata,” an AAI spokesperson was quoted as saying.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha in the early hours of Friday.
Landfall process is expected to start from October 24 night and continue till the morning of October 25, with maximum wind speed likely to be around 120 kmph.