Adverse weather conditions have disrupted both international and domestic flight operations across Nepal. At Simara Airport, several international flights have been placed on hold awaiting suitable landing conditions. A wide-body aircraft from Nepal Airlines arriving from Doha is currently holding in the Simara airspace due to poor visibility.
Kathmandu Airport Reports Low Visibility
According to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), visibility in Kathmandu is currently around 1,600 meters, significantly below the required minimum for landing large aircraft. An Air India flight from Delhi was unable to land in Kathmandu due to these conditions and had to return to Delhi. Typically, large aircraft require at least 2,200 meters of visibility for a safe landing.
Due to weather constraints, larger planes are waiting for favorable conditions before attempting to land, causing delays for incoming international flights.
Domestic Flights Also Disrupted
Domestic flights have also been affected, particularly at Tumlingtar, Bharatpur, Surkhet, and Rajbiraj airports, where operations could not commence due to unfavorable weather. According to Deependra Karn, information officer at Buddha Air, other domestic airports are operating normally.
Domestic flights are being conducted under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), which allow aircraft to operate under instrument navigation when visibility is limited. Different approaches are used depending on weather conditions:
- VOR/DME Approach: This is a visibility-based approach, requiring a minimum visibility level depending on the type of aircraft. Poor weather makes landing via this approach challenging.
- RNP/AR Approach: This modern satellite-based navigation approach allows aircraft to land safely even in bad weather. Currently, airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Korean Air use this advanced system in Nepal.
High Volume of Flights Affected
Tribhuvan International Airport handles approximately 100 international flights and 200 domestic flights daily. The ongoing weather disruption is affecting passenger schedules, airline operations, and airport traffic management. Authorities have urged passengers to check flight status in advance and exercise patience during delays.
Advisory for Travelers
Passengers traveling to or from Kathmandu, Simara, and other affected airports are advised to remain updated on weather forecasts and flight information. Airlines and airport authorities are coordinating to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience during the period of poor visibility.
