Severe Weather Disrupts Air Traffic Across Nepal, Forcing Flight Diversions

Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, have caused major disruptions in air traffic across Nepal. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, along with other airports nationwide, has faced significant operational challenges, forcing multiple flights to be diverted or delayed.

Flights Diverted Due to Poor Weather

Adverse weather has prevented aircraft from landing safely at Kathmandu, despite the airport being technically open. Airport spokesperson Santusht Kumar Basnet confirmed that low visibility, thunderstorms, and rain have impacted normal operations.

An IndiGo Airlines flight from India to Kathmandu was diverted to Lucknow due to unsafe landing conditions. Meanwhile, a Qatar Airways flight arriving from Doha is currently holding in Nepali airspace, waiting for improved weather conditions. Spokesperson Basnet noted that if the weather does not improve soon, this flight may also need to be diverted.

Return Flights from Other Cities

Flights departing from Biratnagar, Simara, Dhangadhi, and Bhairahawa were unable to reach Kathmandu. Many of these flights either returned mid-air or after circling Kathmandu’s airspace due to unsafe landing conditions. Basnet explained that while visibility at the airport is around 3,000 meters, rain and thunder made the approach too risky. Pilots chose the safer option of returning to their departure airports.

Pilot Safety & Standard Procedures

Each airline has its own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Pilots rely on onboard weather radar to decide whether it is safe to land. In this instance, poor weather from the southern direction prevented aircraft from aligning with the runway safely, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing passenger safety over schedule adherence.

Impact on Travelers

Passengers flying into Nepal are advised to check flight status and anticipate potential delays or diversions. Airlines are coordinating closely with airports to manage schedules and ensure passenger safety during adverse weather conditions.

Severe weather across Nepal has highlighted the critical role of safety protocols and pilot decisions in air travel. While disruptions are inconvenient for travelers, these measures ensure that passenger and crew safety remain the top priority. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from airlines and airports before planning flights to Kathmandu or other regions in Nepal.