Key Takeaways:
- CAAN issues nationwide aviation safety alert over Cyclone Arnab
- Heavy rain strong winds and poor visibility may disrupt flights
- Airlines and airports asked to prepare contingency plans
- Critical navigation communication and backup systems placed on alert
Nepal's aviation regulator has issued a nationwide safety alert ahead of Cyclone Arnab, warning that heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and reduced visibility could disrupt flight operations across the country.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Wednesday directed airlines, airport operators, air traffic management units and other aviation stakeholders to adopt heightened safety precautions as the cyclone's effects are expected between October 29 and 30.
According to the authority, deteriorating weather conditions could affect aircraft take-offs and landings, airport operations and runway conditions. Mountainous and high-hill regions may also experience snowfall that could complicate flight movements.
CAAN has instructed air traffic management units to prepare contingency plans for adverse weather, including flight diversions, holding patterns and route adjustments if conditions exceed operational safety limits. It also ordered the immediate sharing of information on wind shear, severe turbulence and thunderstorms with both arriving and departing aircraft.
The regulator further directed airports and aviation service providers to ensure backup power systems, communications equipment and air navigation infrastructure remain fully operational during the alert period.
The warning comes as Cyclone Arnab is expected to bring widespread rain and strong winds to several provinces, raising concerns about disruptions to both air and ground transport.