How did over 60 flights get cancelled at Kolkata airport due to heavy rain?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Kolkata, the heavy rainfall has led to significant disruptions, including over 60 flight cancellations and severe waterlogging across the city. As authorities respond, the situation has sparked early Durga Puja school holidays to ensure student safety. Discover the impact of this extreme weather on daily life in Kolkata.
Key Takeaways
- Over 60 flights cancelled at Kolkata airport due to heavy rain.
- Severe waterlogging has disrupted daily life across the city.
- Schools declared a holiday to ensure student safety.
- Authorities reported seven electrocutions as a result of the weather.
- Durga Puja holidays are advanced to provide relief to students.
Kolkata, Sep 23 (NationPress) As heavy rain caused significant disruption in Kolkata, numerous areas in the city experienced severe waterlogging, leading to interruptions in flight operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Airport officials reported that a total of 30 arrivals and 32 departures were cancelled, while around 11 arrivals and 31 departures faced delays.
With predictions of continued heavy rain and thunderstorms, various airlines have issued travel advisories. Indigo Airlines was among the first to inform passengers early Tuesday morning about possible delays due to the adverse weather, advising them to frequently check their flight status and allocate additional time for travel to and from the airport.
Officials at Kolkata airport indicated that a single flight, traveling from Pune to Kolkata, was diverted to Bhawanipatna at 3 a.m. The advisory noted that the heavy rainfall had resulted in temporary road blockages and diversions on some routes.
In light of the weather conditions, many schools have announced a holiday for Tuesday, as students and staff faced difficulties navigating flooded streets.
State Education Minister Bratya Basu shared on social media that the government decided to initiate early Durga Puja holidays due to the current situation.
"An unprecedented disaster situation has emerged in the state. Following the advice of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, we aim to provide relief to students amid this disaster and ensure their safety from accidents. Consequently, we have decided to close all schools and higher educational institutions on September 24 and 25," he stated in a post on X.
"During this disaster, we request all educators and education workers to perform their essential duties from home. With the official Puja break starting September 26, the Durga Puja holiday effectively begins tomorrow. I wish everyone a joyful and prosperous Sharadiya, and extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in this disaster," he added.
Following record rainfall overnight, Kolkata and its neighboring regions were submerged under knee-deep water on Tuesday, disrupting daily routines. Over 300 mm of rain was recorded between midnight and 5 a.m. across the city.
Authorities reported that at least seven individuals were electrocuted due to the conditions.
The decision to advance the holidays aims to prevent any further incidents.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the severe impact of the recent downpours in Kolkata. The disruption to flight operations and the declaration of emergency holidays reflect the urgency of the situation. Our priority must remain on ensuring safety and providing timely information to the public during such crises.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights were cancelled at Kolkata airport?
Over 60 flights were cancelled due to heavy rain and severe waterlogging.
What precautions are airlines taking due to the weather?
Airlines, including Indigo, have issued travel alerts and advised passengers to check flight statuses regularly.
Why are schools closed in Kolkata?
Schools are closed to ensure the safety of students and staff amid flooded streets and severe weather conditions.
What was the rainfall recorded in Kolkata?
Kolkata received over 300 mm of rain between midnight and 5 a.m.
What measures are being taken for the safety of residents?
The state government has advanced Durga Puja holidays and advised all education workers to work from home.
