Cyclone Murasu has forced the cancellation of 19 domestic flights across Andhra Pradesh and 11 in Chennai, disrupting operations for carriers like IndiGo and Air India Express. With landfall expected between Nellore and Narasapur on November 2, 2026, these recurring weather events pose short-term operational and revenue challenges for airlines in the region.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu has caused significant flight disruptions across southern India, impacting key airports in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as of November 2, 2026. Data from regional airports indicates that at least 19 domestic flights have been grounded in Andhra Pradesh, specifically at Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam. Additionally, 11 flights were cancelled at Chennai International Airport, as airlines proactively halted services to prioritize passenger safety ahead of the storm's landfall.
The India Meteorological Department expects the cyclone to make landfall between Nellore and Narasapur late on November 2 or early on November 3, 2026, with high wind speeds. Major domestic carriers, including IndiGo and Air India Express, have been forced to suspend several scheduled routes. IndiGo has confirmed that disruptions will extend into November 3, affecting connectivity to major hubs such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Operational and Financial Impact for Airlines
For investors, these repeated weather disturbances carry operational and financial implications. When flights are cancelled, airlines face immediate revenue loss, the logistical cost of re-routing crews, and the administrative expense of issuing refunds or managing passenger accommodation. Because this is the second major storm to hit the region within a single week—following the impact of Cyclone Arnab—the frequency of these events strains both ground infrastructure and airline scheduling efficiency.
InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, is a primary entity for market participants to watch in this context. While airlines have standard operating procedures for force majeure events like cyclones, recurring disruptions can lead to unpredictable quarterly performance. The ability of the carrier to minimize service delays and resume normal operations quickly after the storm passes will be a key performance indicator for the coming days.
Monitoring the Recovery
Investors and travelers may continue to track updates from the airports and airlines regarding the resumption of services. The primary concern for stakeholders is the duration of the weather-induced halt and whether further scheduling adjustments are required on November 3. Beyond immediate operations, the broader impact of back-to-back cyclones on regional logistics and airport infrastructure will be an important factor to observe as the state recovers from the storm.