Travelers bound for western Nepal faced major disruptions on Friday as flights to Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Simara could not take off from Tribhuvan International Airport due to extremely low visibility caused by poor weather conditions.
Passengers heading to Bhairahawa arrived at the airport early in the morning, expecting to board their flights. However, by 1 PM, the aircraft remained grounded as Bhairahawa Airport continued to experience adverse weather conditions. According to officials, the airport remained closed since the morning because visibility was significantly below the required minimum.
Visibility Levels Critically Low
Air traffic officials confirmed that normal visibility at Bhairahawa Airport is approximately 1,800 meters. On Friday, visibility dropped to only 300–400 meters, making it unsafe for planes to land or take off. “Flights can resume only when the sun rises and visibility improves,” an official stated.
Similarly, Nepalgunj Airport and Simara Airport were also affected, causing delays and rescheduling of several domestic flights. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules and stay in touch with airlines for updates.
The closure led to long waits at Tribhuvan International Airport, with travelers expressing frustration over the sudden disruption. Airlines are expected to monitor weather conditions closely and adjust flight timings once visibility improves. Officials have urged passengers not to rush to the airport until flights are officially confirmed, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority.
Weather Forecast and Precautions
Meteorologists have predicted that the weather will improve gradually as sunlight increases visibility over the western plains. In the meantime, airlines and airport authorities continue to assess conditions to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.
