The prevailing adverse weather conditions at the winter season around the country has been disrupting normal flight operations hence, increasing flight delays. Mostly, the airports at the east and west Terai region are unable to operate normally due to presence of thick fog decreasing the minimum visibility required for the aircraft to land.
The domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport seems messy these days with lots of passengers waiting more than an hour to board their flight. The airlines are compelled to even cancel the flights.
The major reason behind flight delays is the escalating number of air passengers and flight frequencies however; adverse weather conditions these days have been more influential for the delays.
Buddha Air informing passenger about increased possibility of flight delays through social media
According to the information from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), “Decreasing temperature, thick fog and reduced visibility has been obstructing flights to the major airports at Terai namely Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Simara, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.”
On the other hand, the airport at the mountainous region such as Simikot and Jumal airport are receiving snowfall as well as sharp decrease in temperature hence, disrupting normal flight operations.
Spokesperson for TIA Mr. Prem Nath Thakur said, “Airlines are not to be blamed for the flight delays instead the delays occur due to numerous reasons such as peak season, adverse weather phenomena, lack of effective technologies and one way approach facility.”
More than 400 flight movements are recorded per day at TIA so, flight delays are inevitable at the present time and will continue for more years until and unless the alternative airport project completes and comes into service.
