Bhairahawa’s Gautam Buddha International Airport is set to launch the RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required), a satellite-based landing and take-off system, on January 23. The announcement was made by Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), during the authority’s 26th anniversary celebration.
The RNP-AR system will significantly enhance aviation operations by allowing aircraft to land with a visibility requirement of just 800 meters, compared to the current Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) system, which requires 1,800 meters of visibility. This advancement is expected to improve flight reliability, particularly during the challenging winter months when reduced visibility often disrupts air travel.
Director General Adhikari emphasized that the implementation of the satellite-based system will facilitate more frequent flights and address challenges faced by the airport. The decision to adopt RNP-AR technology comes after India denied Nepal permission to use the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which had cost over one billion rupees to install but remains unused.
Gautam Buddha International Airport, a crucial gateway for international travel in Nepal, is poised to benefit from the RNP-AR system. With 28 airlines currently providing international flight services in Nepal, this technological upgrade marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s aviation infrastructure and ensuring smoother air connectivity.
