International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kathmandu, October 29: Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has issued a special aviation safety alert in view of the potential impact of Cyclone Arnab, urging airlines, airport operators, air traffic management agencies and other aviation service providers to take necessary precautions to minimise risks to flight operations.

The authority issued a safety circular on Thursday, highlighting the possibility of adverse weather conditions across Nepal’s mountainous and high-altitude regions. According to the advisory, the weather system could bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and snowfall, potentially disrupting aviation operations and affecting flight safety.

The authority has specifically advised aviation agencies to remain on heightened alert on October 29 and 30. Heavy rainfall, powerful winds and reduced visibility could affect aircraft take-offs and landings, airport operations and runway conditions. The challenging weather could pose additional risks in mountainous areas, where changing atmospheric conditions can make flight operations particularly demanding.

In its circular, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal instructed aviation service providers and airport directors to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place. Airlines and other relevant agencies have also been asked to prepare effective flight management plans to deal with adverse weather and coordinate with other aviation organisations whenever necessary.

The advisory emphasises that flight operations must remain within prescribed operational safety limits. If weather conditions deteriorate beyond those limits, aircraft may be instructed to change their routes, hold in designated areas or take other operational measures as required. Such decisions are intended to maintain safe separation between aircraft and prevent dangerous situations during periods of severe weather.

The authority has also highlighted the importance of promptly communicating information about sudden changes in wind direction and speed, commonly known as wind shear, along with severe atmospheric instability and thunderstorm activity. Relevant weather information must be passed on immediately to arriving and departing aircraft so that pilots and air traffic controllers can make informed decisions.

Wind shear and sudden changes in atmospheric conditions can create significant challenges during take-off and landing. In mountainous terrain, where weather patterns can change rapidly, timely communication between pilots, air traffic controllers and meteorological services is particularly important for maintaining aviation safety.

The safety circular further directs all relevant agencies to ensure that critical infrastructure supporting aviation services and air traffic management remains fully operational. This includes backup power supplies and communication systems, which are essential for maintaining coordination and ensuring continuity of services during severe weather-related disruptions.

The authority has also instructed aviation organisations to report any serious hazards, operational disruptions or safety-related incidents immediately through the designated channels. The reporting mechanism is intended to help the authorities respond quickly to emerging risks and coordinate appropriate safety measures.

With the alert covering October 29 and 30, aviation operators in Nepal have been urged to remain vigilant and adjust their operations according to prevailing weather conditions. The advisory places particular emphasis on preparedness, effective communication and strict adherence to operational safety requirements.

The potential impact of Cyclone Arnab highlights the challenges that severe weather can pose to aviation, especially in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Authorities are seeking to minimise the risk of disruptions and ensure that flight operations continue only when conditions permit safe aircraft movement.