With Cyclone Arnab making landfall on India's coast, travel plans are in disarray. The uncertainty of flight cancellations and rerouting adds stress to an already tense situation. This guide provides clear, actionable steps to navigate the chaos.
Monitor Your Flight Status Proactively
Before
you even think about heading to the airport, your first step is to get the latest information. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status directly via the airline's official website, mobile app, or customer helpline. Several flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha have already been cancelled or rescheduled due to the storm. For example, operations in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry were suspended on October 27, and knock-on delays are possible at other airports like Hyderabad and Kolkata. Do not rely on third-party websites that may not have real-time information. The Ministry of Civil Aviation specifically advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless their flight is confirmed.
Understand the Difference: Rerouting vs. Cancellation
It is important to know what your airline is doing. A 'rerouting' means the airline is still trying to get you to your destination, but via a different path, which might involve a longer journey or a different stopover city. A 'cancellation' means the flight will not operate at all. In the case of a cancellation due to weather, your rights are protected by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline must offer you a choice: either a full refund of your ticket or a seat on an alternative flight. This choice belongs to you, the passenger, not the airline. You cannot be forced to accept a credit voucher if you prefer a cash refund.
Know Your Rights Under DGCA Rules
Cyclones are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' or 'force majeure' events. This means that while airlines are not required to pay additional monetary compensation for the cancellation itself (typically ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000), their other obligations remain fully intact. If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, the airline still has a 'duty of care'. This includes providing free meals and refreshments if the wait at the airport exceeds a few hours. For longer, overnight delays, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transfers between the airport and the hotel. These rights apply even when the disruption is caused by severe weather like Cyclone Arnab.
Contacting Your Airline and Getting Everything in Writing
If your flight is affected, contact the airline as soon as possible. Phone lines may be busy, so try their mobile app chat support or social media channels as well. When you do get through, be specific. Ask for the reason for the disruption and request that they send you confirmation of the cancellation or new itinerary via email or SMS. If you are offered a refund, ask about the timeline. DGCA rules state refunds for credit card payments should be processed within 7 days, and within 14 working days for bookings made via travel agents. Having a written record of all communications is crucial if you need to escalate a complaint later.
What If You Booked Through a Travel Agent?
Even if you booked your ticket through an online travel portal or a local travel agent, the airline is ultimately responsible for providing the refund or rebooking. While you should initiate the process through your agent, DGCA regulations clarify that the agent acts as a representative of the airline, and the responsibility for processing the refund lies with the carrier. If you face delays in getting your money back, your followup should be with both the agent and the airline. For unresolved issues, passengers can file a formal grievance on the government's AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in).
