#aviation #Nepal #Tumlingtar #flightdisruptions
Tumlingtar Airport in the Sankhuwasabha district has experienced a significant increase in flight disruptions, with 86 flights being canceled within a year due to weakening visibility caused by adverse weather conditions and climate change effects. This information was shared by Navaraj Dahal, the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s office in Tumlingtar.
Dahal revealed that for flights to operate safely at the airport, a visibility of at least five kilometers beyond the runway is required. However, the impact of adverse weather and climate change, such as fog and dust particles, has led to flight disruptions at various times when the airport surroundings have been obscured.
Recent developments in infrastructure projects like hydropower plants and road construction have also contributed to the accumulation of dust and particles that affect visibility at the airport, according to Dahal. The flight path of the airport, surrounded by dusty and foggy areas, has been particularly affected by these factors, leading to disruptions in flight operations.
As a result of the deteriorating visibility, only 23 flights were canceled in 2025, compared to the previous year when 86 flights were disrupted. Dahal expressed concern over the impact of flight cancellations on elderly and sick passengers, highlighting that continuous disruptions pose risks for vulnerable groups.
Private airlines have been operating flights at Tumlingtar Airport, benefiting residents of Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, and Dhankuta once flight operations are back on track. The airport, located in a hilly district, often faces challenges with overcrowding due to high passenger traffic.
The Budh Air ATR-72 used to conduct daily flights at Tumlingtar Airport. With improvements in the runway, last year saw daily flights operated by Budh Air’s ATR-72 aircraft, serving passengers with short-haul flights, such as the popular Himalayan Makalu, Arun Third Hydropower Project, and other tourist destinations.
Ramesh Khatri, representative of Kansai Nepal News, emphasized the urgent need for better infrastructure and weather monitoring systems to mitigate flight disruptions and ensure the safety and convenience of passengers traveling to and from Tumlingtar Airport.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 23, 2025 3:02 am
