In response to road traffic disruptions caused by floods and landslides, air traffic has significantly increased, prompting the government to raise the number of night flights across the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has announced that flight operations will commence earlier, starting at 4:30 a.m. at nine airports, including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Gyanendra Bhul, CAAN’s information officer, stated that this adjustment aims to accommodate the growing number of passengers returning home during the festive season and amid the ongoing flood crisis. The new schedule will remain in effect until October 16.
Traditionally, flights from airports equipped with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) technology are conducted after 6 a.m.; however, with the current demand, they will now begin operations at 4:30 a.m. The airports affected by this change include Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, Simara Airport, Chandragathi Airport, Biratnagar Airport, Janakpur Airport, Nepalgunj Airport, and Dhangadhi Airport. These airports will continue to operate until their regular night schedules, with extensions as necessary, from Ghatasthapana to Dashain Purnima.
The adjustments come in light of the extensive damage to the country’s road infrastructure, including major highways, which has led to over 500 domestic flights occurring daily. The early morning flight schedule is a critical measure to meet the demands of the large number of passengers departing Kathmandu for the Dashain festival.
