Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has asked all member airlines to be cautious about flight operations as heavy rains, wind and snowfall is expected in different parts of the country. The association issued the warning on September 23, 2026 after getting the weather forecast from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Member airlines have been asked to operate flights only after making sure that all the safety measures are in place.
The warning has been issued as it has become crucial to ensure the safety of passengers and other individuals involved in air or surface transportation as people travel to different tourist destinations in the country where the weather condition can change abruptly. The association has asked the airlines to be extra cautious while operating flights during the time of the warning. Airlines have also been asked to keep track of the weather forecast before operating any flight.
Heavy Rain Forecast In Gandaki And Lumbini
As per the weather forecast shared by the association, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to have heavy rains and thunderstorm along with strong winds from September 25 to 27. Heavy rains, thunderstorm, lightning and strong winds have also been forecasted in some places in different provinces. Rains and strong winds can have a major impact on the domestic aviation sector considering the fact that Nepal is a mountainous country.
The association has warned of the possibility of flood, landslide, soil erosion and inundation in the Tarai and urban areas after the continuous rains. Inundation of small and big rivers would also impact the road, construction and aviation sectors in the vulnerable districts. The warning is significant for the tourism sector as well as the adverse weather condition can impact the access to different tourist destinations. Hence, passengers are likely to see changes in their flight operations if the weather situation deteriorates.
Airlines Asked To Remain Ready For Rescue Operations
In addition to asking airlines to be cautious about flight operation, AOAN has also asked member airlines to stand by for any rescue operation in case of flood, landslide or soil erosion. The association has asked the airlines to be ready to undertake any rescue operation if the situation demands.
The circular, which was issued on behalf of the association by Pratap Jung Pandey has shared the warning issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for the people involved in the mountaineering and other activities in the Himalayan region. Heavy snowfall and rains are likely in the mountainous regions which can impact the safety of mountaineering and add to the difficulty of the trek. Therefore, airlines operating flights to the mountainous region and tourism destinations have been asked to take weather conditions into consideration while operating flights and keep the safety of the passenger as a priority.
Airlines Asked To Follow Latest Weather Updates
The directive issued by the association has also asked the airlines to keep track of the latest weather update provided by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The airlines have been asked to consider the latest weather forecast before operating any flight during the time of the warning. The association has also reiterated that flights would operate only after making sure that the operation is safe.
The weather warning has been issued at a time when domestic aviation sector plays a crucial role in connecting different tourism destinations within the country which are mostly located in the difficult terrains.Any disruption in the flight operation due to adverse weather condition can have a direct impact on the passengers’ travel plan as well as the economy considering the fact that tourism is one of the major sources of income for the country.
