Adverse weather conditions significantly disrupted flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today, affecting both domestic and international travel. According to TIA’s General Manager, Jagannath Niraula, low visibility due to ongoing monsoon rains led to numerous flight cancellations and delays.
Domestic flights to popular tourist destinations were particularly impacted. Flights to Pokhara, a major hub for travelers heading to the Annapurna region, were canceled, while services to Janakpur and Simara faced delays. Buddha Air’s Kathmandu-Pokhara flight was among those canceled, and its flight to Bharatpur was delayed. Additionally, a Buddha Air flight scheduled for Surkhet was diverted to Pokhara due to the adverse weather.
International flights were also affected, with an Air China flight, scheduled to land at TIA at 10:55 AM, being diverted back to its point of origin. Other international flights were put on hold, awaiting improvement in weather conditions.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported that the current weather disruptions are due to the influence of monsoon winds, with the monsoon trough positioned slightly northward. This has triggered light to moderate rainfall across several provinces, including Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim, with heavy rain forecasted in certain areas.
These weather-induced disruptions at TIA come at a critical time for Nepal’s tourism industry, as the country is a prime destination for international travelers, particularly during the monsoon season. The interruptions not only affect tourists’ travel plans but also pose challenges for the tourism sector, which relies heavily on the smooth operation of flights to and from key destinations.
Tourism operators are closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged weather disruptions could impact the flow of visitors to Nepal, especially to popular trekking regions and cultural sites. The aviation authorities are urged to maintain clear communication with travelers and ensure safety measures are in place to minimize the impact of weather-related disruptions on the tourism industry.
