Flight operations at five domestic airports in Nepal’s Terai region remained suspended until Friday afternoon due to unfavorable weather conditions, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
According to the Civil Aviation Office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), regular flight services could not resume at Rajbiraj, Janakpur, Simara, Bhairahawa and Dhangadhi airports until 1:00 pm because of poor visibility caused by dense winter fog.
Low Visibility Continues to Hamper Terai Airports
Aviation officials said that low visibility has become a recurring problem in the Terai during the winter season, significantly affecting flight schedules. Most airports in the region have been experiencing delayed starts to daily operations, often pushing regular flights to late afternoon.
The prolonged disruption has resulted in frequent cancellations, delays, and rescheduling, creating inconvenience for both domestic and international travelers.
Kathmandu Airport Operating Normally
Despite the widespread disruptions in the Terai, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu continued normal landing operations. Officials confirmed that visibility levels in Kathmandu Valley remained sufficient for safe flight movement.
Hundreds of Passengers Affected
Airlines reported that hundreds of passengers were affected by the disruptions, particularly those traveling for business, medical appointments, and tourism purposes. Many travelers were forced to wait for hours at terminals, while some had to reschedule or cancel their trips altogether.
Airline authorities have advised passengers traveling to and from Terai airports to stay updated on weather conditions and flight status during the winter season, as fog-related delays are likely to persist in the coming weeks.
