Cyclone Chaos: Travel Snarled, Flights Grounded, Thousands in Turmoil as Remal Hits Kolkata and Chattogram

Published on May 26, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

Cyclone Remal unleashes fury in Kolkata and Chattogram, stranding thousands and disrupting numerous flights across the region.

Travel chaos erupted in Kolkata as Cyclone Remal led to a prolonged 21-hour shutdown of flight operations at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, affecting countless travel plans. Major airlines including Indigo, Air India, and AirAsia faced significant disruptions, leaving many passengers stranded with no immediate alternatives for departure. Additionally, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has been declared shut from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday due to Cyclone Remal’s intensification over the Bay of Bengal.

Both Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airports were closed, impacting a broad network of flights and exacerbating the situation for travelers. Passengers reported a lack of advance notifications from airlines regarding the cancellations, adding to the frustration.

In the wake of the cancellations, many affected passengers have sought compensation from the airlines for unexpected lodging and dining costs. The Airport Authority in Kolkata announced the cancellation of nearly 394 flights, which included a mix of 170 domestic and 26 international flights scheduled between Sunday and Monday.

The disruption was widespread, with Indigo, the airport’s busiest operator, reporting significant impacts across various Indian cities including Mumbai and Delhi. Meanwhile, SpiceJet informed passengers of the operational halt via a social media post, urging them to contact their customer support for more information.

Despite the disruption in Kolkata, flights between Dhaka and Chattogram continued as usual, although Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram planned a temporary closure. Conversely, operations at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carried on undisturbed, maintaining regular services amidst the regional weather challenges.

Passengers are encouraged to keep in contact with their airlines or travel agents for the latest travel updates. Forecasters have predicted that Cyclone Remal will continue to affect the coastal areas of West Bengal, including Kolkata, with severe weather conditions.