Tribhuvan International Airport Faces Major Disruptions as Fog Rolls In

Many international flights were impacted, with one of the most notable incidents involving a Qatar Airways flight from Doha that was unable to land in Kathmandu due to the dense fog. The aircraft was diverted to Kolkata, India, forcing passengers to await further instructions.

Other airlines faced similar challenges. Nepal Airlines had to reroute a flight from Malaysia, while Air China and Sichuan Airlines also struggled with visibility issues, leading to diversions and cancellations.

Domestic routes were equally impacted, with key flights between Kathmandu and destinations like Pokhara, Bharatpur, Nepalgunj, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Bhadrapur, and Bhairahawa either delayed or canceled. Passengers were left stranded at the airport, many unaware of the disruptions before their arrival.

Despite TIA officials urging travelers to check flight statuses beforehand, many passengers arrived at the airport without prior knowledge of the delays, leading to frustration and confusion.

The impact extended beyond major carriers, with smaller private airlines experiencing significant delays and cancellations. The backlog of affected flights created a ripple effect, making it difficult for passengers to receive timely updates and rebooking options.

Airport officials worked to manage the situation, and as visibility improved in the afternoon, operations gradually returned to normal. Most delayed flights were either rescheduled or given priority for departure. However, authorities warned that weather conditions could shift again, potentially causing further disruptions.

By the afternoon, flights had resumed, but with the possibility of further disruptions, officials urged travelers to stay alert and plan their journeys accordingly.