TIA will undergo a temporary closure

Kathmandu: Tribhuvan International Airport will be closed for half an hour on Monday afternoon. According to the notification issued by the Civil Aviation Office of Tribhuvan International Airport, the airport is going to be closed from 1 pm to 1:30 pm.

According to the office, there will be a full-time exercise related to Alert 9.3.1 (aircraft accident at the airport) among the various exercises that will be conducted according to the airport emergency plan. The exercise will be participated by various agencies related to air flight security, medical care and rescue task.

The main objective of this exercise is to increase the cooperation between the various agencies participating during the crisis. It also aims to evaluate the roles and responsibilities performed by the participating agencies. It is expected to enhance the capacity of the related parties in reducing the loss of life and property in the emergency. It also helps in the quick resumption of flights after an  emergency.

During the course of this exercise, black smoke can be seen in the sky around the airport as well as the increased vehicular movements of fire brigade, security personnel and ambulances.

"During the exercise, the operation of this airport will be closed from 13:00 to 13:30 local time, and regular flight landings may be affected," the notice said. "This airport must practice emergency planning according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and we want to inform the general public and especially the residents around the airport about the planned exercise to be carried" reads the notice.