RNP AR system begins operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport

Kathmandu, January 23 — The Required Navigation Performance–Authorization Required (RNP AR) system has started operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has arranged for the approval of flights and landings under this system, allowing pilots and aircraft with authorization to operate from today.

Previously, flights and landings at the airport had to be done visually, requiring visibility of about 1,800 meters. Under the new system, small aircraft will need 800 meters of visibility and larger aircraft will require 900 meters, according to CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul.

However, special permission will be required for this. For operations under RNP AR, infrastructure must be developed on the aircraft, and pilots must undergo training for it. Bhul mentioned that while this system is being gradually implemented, full operationalization may take some time.

What is the RNP AR system?

Pilots generally use two methods when flying and landing: first, visual observation, and second, using instruments to guide the aircraft. The visual method is known as VFR (Visual Flight Rules), while the instrument-based method is called IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).

Within IFR, there are two types of approaches: Conventional Approach and Precision Approach. The Precision Approach provides both lateral and vertical guidance, while the Conventional Approach only provides lateral guidance. The system being implemented at Gautam Buddha Airport is a Semi-Precision Approach, which combines aspects of both conventional and precision approaches, according to CAAN’s information officer, Bhul.

The required visibility for this system in Kathmandu is 1,100 meters. However, RNP AR allows landings with visibility as low as 550 meters.

CAAN also stated that implementing this system has not incurred any additional costs, as it is satellite-based and does not require ground-based equipment. This has resulted in low expenses for the authority. After India did not allow the installation of the IFR system, CAAN opted to implement the RNP AR system.

Bhairahawa Airport, being close to the Indian border and near the Kushinagar airport in India, could face reduced traffic due to cooperation in airport operations.

Additionally, security concerns in the nearby Indian military camps and airbases have led to India’s lack of cooperation in operating Bhairahawa Airport. India has also been limiting China's influence in Nepal by withholding support for Chinese-funded projects in the region.