The Government of Nepal plans to establish a dedicated Aviation Meteorology Directorate under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to strengthen flight safety and reduce risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions. The restructuring process follows a government decision made on July 16, 2026, aimed at strengthening routine weather observations, forecasting, and aviation meteorological services. According to a white paper released by the department on October 25, 2026, the proposed Aviation Meteorology Directorate will help improve specialized weather services and coordination with aviation authorities and airline operators.
Nepal’s challenging geographical terrain, rapidly changing mountain weather, and the sensitivity of Himalayan flights make accurate weather information particularly important for safe aeronautical operations. Through the proposed institutional restructuring, the government intends to strengthen specialized weather services for domestic and international flights.
Digital Weather Services to Expand Across Domestic and Himalayan Routes
Under the proposed plan, aeronautical weather services will be expanded to cover domestic flights, Himalayan routes, and helicopter operations more effectively. Digital flight folders and en route weather forecasts will provide pilots with essential information about weather conditions along their planned routes.
The new directorate is also expected to improve coordination between the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and airline operators. This would help organize aviation weather services, establish consistent standards, and strengthen quality management.
While specialized weather information is already available for international flights, the proposed expansion aims to make comparable services more accessible to domestic and mountain aeronautics operations, where sudden weather changes can create significant challenges.
Advanced Radar Technology to Improve Weather Monitoring
Modern weather monitoring technology is another major component of the proposed initiative. The department plans to install a new X-band weather radar to strengthen real time weather observation and short term forecasting in the Kathmandu Valley.
The government also plans to support the long term operation of existing weather radars in Surkhet, Palpa, and Udayapur through multiyear maintenance agreements and technical capacity development.
In addition, the department proposes establishing up to six additional radiosonde stations, subject to technical feasibility, to complement the existing station and improve observations of weather conditions in the upper atmosphere.
These improvements are intended to strengthen the collection and analysis of weather data, helping meteorologists identify potentially hazardous conditions and provide more useful forecasts for aviation operations.
High Resolution Forecasting and International Standards in Focus
The white paper also proposes using high performance computing systems to operate high resolution numerical weather prediction models. Weather data from Japan’s Himawari and China’s Fengyun meteorological satellites, together with radar observations, will be integrated to support more detailed weather analysis.
The proposed measures aim to improve assessments of changing weather along flight routes, including wind speed, wind direction, and other conditions that may affect aircraft operations. Technical briefing services for pilots are also expected to be strengthened.
As a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Nepal is required to align its aviation meteorological services with applicable international standards. The department plans to coordinate with CAAN to implement relevant aviation weather improvements under ICAO’s Aviation System Block Upgrades framework and strengthen quality management and internal auditing procedures.
Modernization Expected to Support Safer Air Travel
The proposed Aviation Meteorology Directorate represents a planned step toward improving Nepal’s aviation weather infrastructure and strengthening the reliability of information available to pilots and aviation authorities.
If implemented effectively, the measures could support better weather-related decision making, particularly for flights operating in mountainous and tourism dependent regions. More reliable forecasts and timely weather updates would help aviation professionals assess risks before and during flights.
The initiative also highlights the importance of sustained investment in modern equipment, technical expertise, maintenance, and coordination among relevant agencies. While the proposed improvements are intended to reduce weather-related aviation risks, their effectiveness will depend on successful implementation and the consistent delivery of accurate, timely weather information.
By strengthening aeronautics meteorology services, Nepal aims to build a more reliable foundation for flight safety and support the continued development of air connectivity across the country.
