Three airlines halt flights at Gautam Buddha International Airport

Kathmandu, December 9 — Three airlines have sent letters to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), stating that flights cannot be operated immediately at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai, and Thai AirAsia cited weather conditions as the reason for temporarily suspending flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority has stated that discussions are ongoing, and a response will be provided.

Airlines must obtain official approval from the Authority before formally suspending flights.

Due to dense fog in recent days, flights in and out of Bhairahawa have been halted until the afternoon, leading to international flights to Bhairahawa being diverted to Kathmandu.

According to the Authority's spokesperson, Gyanendra Bhul, visibility in Bhairahawa is currently between 1,000 and 1,200 meters, which is insufficient for safe aircraft landings. For larger aircraft, including ATRs, a minimum visibility of 1,800 meters is required.

This issue arises because Bhairahawa lacks the Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR) system.

Airports with RNP AR systems can land aircraft even with visibility as low as 800 meters.

The Civil Aviation Authority has announced that it will install the RNP AR system by January 23.