Air Arabia’s flight faced a ‘missed approach overshoot’ incident today at 1:05 PM while attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The aircraft, which was on its final approach, suddenly overshot over Narephant due to inconsistent wind speed, a phenomenon known as ‘wind shear.’
According to Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, wind shear occurs when wind from different directions causes turbulence, making it difficult for an aircraft to stabilize its approach. “Air Arabia’s aircraft experienced a missed approach due to wind shear during final approach,” Sherpa stated. “The sudden shift in wind direction caused the aircraft to shake, leading to the missed approach.”
An Air India flight from New Delhi encountered delays as it was required to hold over Simara, circling the area four times before finally receiving clearance to land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The prolonged holding pattern was due to unfavorable weather conditions affecting flight operations.
Likewise, a Thai Lion Air flight from Bangkok also experienced delays, remaining in a holding pattern for an extended period before being permitted to descend. The adverse weather, including fluctuating wind speeds and low visibility, contributed to these disruptions, causing uncertainty for passengers and airline operators alike.
Earlier on Wednesday, a Nepal Airlines flight from Narita, Japan, was also placed in holding before being allowed to land. Several other international flights, including Qatar Airways from Doha, Air India from New Delhi, Batik Air from Kuala Lumpur, and Fly Dubai from Dubai, experienced similar holding patterns. Additionally, domestic flights from Bhairahawa (Fly Dubai), Dhangadhi (Buddha Air), and Pokhara (Yeti Airlines) faced holding delays due to low visibility.
Nepal’s aviation sector has faced major disruptions over the past week due to deteriorating weather conditions. Tribhuvan International Airport officials report that fluctuating wind speeds and poor visibility have significantly impacted both domestic and international flights, creating challenges for take-offs and landings. According to spokesperson Rinjin Sherpa, international flights have been more severely affected, primarily due to the ongoing pre-monsoon weather patterns in Nepal. The unpredictable atmospheric conditions have made it difficult for aircraft to maintain stable approaches, resulting in frequent flight delays, missed approaches, and extended holding times, further complicating air travel operations across the country.
The formation of seasonal rain-bearing systems has led to erratic weather conditions, causing repeated flight delays and missed approaches. Due to Kathmandu’s runway configuration, international flights must land from the western side (designated ‘02’), making them more vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. In contrast, domestic flights have greater flexibility, as they can approach from either direction, thanks to the longer runway. This adaptability helps minimize the impact of unfavorable weather on domestic air travel, whereas international flights often experience greater challenges when attempting to land during unpredictable conditions caused by shifting wind patterns and reduced visibility.
On Wednesday night, Kathmandu Valley and various regions across the country experienced light to moderate rainfall. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces received notable precipitation. Weather predictions indicate that hilly areas may witness partial cloud cover, with chances of thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall throughout the day. The ongoing pre-monsoon activity continues to influence weather patterns, contributing to fluctuating conditions. Travelers and residents are advised to stay updated on forecasts as localized showers and possible thunderstorms may impact daily activities and transportation, particularly in mountainous regions prone to sudden weather changes.
With Nepal experiencing intensifying pre-monsoon conditions, aviation authorities are actively tracking weather patterns to maintain flight safety. The unpredictable weather, marked by fluctuating wind speeds and low visibility, has led to frequent disruptions in air travel. Officials are taking necessary precautions to manage flight operations efficiently amid these challenges. Travelers are strongly encouraged to stay updated on flight schedules, as sudden weather changes may cause unexpected delays or cancellations. Passengers should plan accordingly, allowing extra time for possible disruptions. Authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to minimize risks and enhance aviation safety during this period.
