The excitement of travelling home for Diwali is unmatched, but unpredictable weather can often play spoilsport. From dense fog to cyclonic storms, disruptions are common. Here’s your guide to staying ahead of delays and cancellations.
Know Your Regional Weather Risks
India's weather during
the post-monsoon season of October and November is highly varied. Northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar begin to experience dense fog, which is a primary cause of major flight and train delays. Visibility can drop significantly, especially during early morning and late-night hours, impacting schedules heavily. Meanwhile, the Bay of Bengal is active during this period, with a history of cyclonic storms forming and making landfall along the eastern coast. States like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are particularly vulnerable to heavy rains and high-speed winds, which can shut down airports and railway lines. As of late October 2026, a very severe cyclonic storm named 'Arnab' is already causing significant disruptions, with its expected landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast forcing widespread cancellations.
Your Pre-Travel Flight Checklist
Before heading to the airport, preparation is key. Always check your flight status directly with the airline via their official website or mobile app. Airlines are required to inform passengers about cancellations in advance. For weather-related cancellations, which are considered 'extraordinary circumstances', you are not entitled to financial compensation but you are entitled to a choice between a full refund or an alternative flight. Airlines must also provide meals and refreshments for significant delays. During fog season or cyclone alerts, give yourself extra time to get to the airport, as road transport can also be affected. Subscribing to airline SMS alerts and monitoring airport social media handles can provide the most current information.
Monitoring Your Express Train Journey
For rail passengers, the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) is your most critical tool. You can use the NTES website or mobile app to track the live running status of your train by entering its name or number. This will show its current location, any delays, and expected arrival times at upcoming stations. Indian Railways has issued advisories for passengers travelling during the current Cyclone Arnab alert, urging them to check train status before starting their journey. Dozens of train services have been cancelled or diverted in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as a precautionary measure. If your train is cancelled by the railways due to weather or other issues, you are entitled to a full automatic refund for your ticket. Help desks are also often set up at major stations during widespread disruptions.
Using Official Weather Channels
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the official source for all weather warnings and forecasts in the country. Before and during your trip, monitor the IMD website for updates on fog density, rainfall predictions, and cyclone tracks. For instance, the IMD has been providing detailed bulletins on the path and intensity of Cyclone Arnab, allowing both authorities and the public to prepare. These advisories are crucial as they often precede official announcements from transport operators. Separating the weather forecast from the transport status is important; a weather warning is a signal to start checking with your airline or railway, but it is not a cancellation notice in itself.
Smart Packing and Backup Plans
Since delays are a real possibility, packing smart can make a long wait more comfortable. Carry a fully charged power bank, snacks, a bottle of water, and any essential medications in your hand luggage. For train journeys that might be rerouted or delayed by many hours, having extra food is always a wise decision. It’s also prudent to have a basic backup plan. This doesn't mean you need to book a second ticket, but you should be aware of alternative options. Could you take a premium bus service if your train is cancelled? Is another airport a few hours away still operational? A little mental preparation can reduce stress significantly if your primary travel plan is disrupted.
