Kolkata Airport on high alert after multiple flight cancellations

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has been placed on high alert following the cancellation of 12 flights within a 24-hour period. Authorities are urging passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.

The cancellations—six arrivals and six departures—occurred on Wednesday and included flights such as IX 1522 from Ghaziabad, BS 0202 from Dhaka, BS 0208 from Chattogram, 6E 0874 from Chandigarh, and IX 2509 from Srinagar.

Despite the disruptions, operations at the airport remained orderly, with no reports of overcrowding or major passenger inconvenience.

“We conducted a full emergency preparedness drill yesterday. The airport is fully equipped and our security teams are on alert,” said Dr. Pravat Ranjan Beuria, Director of Kolkata Airport, speaking to The Indian Express.

The heightened alert comes in the wake of the temporary shutdown of 18 airports across seven Indian states, following an airstrike targeting a terror infrastructure in Pakistan. While Kolkata was not directly affected by closures, the ripple effect has led to cancellations and schedule changes.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) also issued a travel advisory in response to the situation, warning travelers of potential disruptions. “We advise all passengers to monitor official airline updates and consult with travel agents or operators for real-time information,” said Anil Punjabi, National Committee member of TAFI.

The Federation also expressed support for India’s armed forces and the government's actions against cross-border terrorism.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution while planning or undertaking travel in the coming days.