Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Lifts Aircraft Flight Ban Beyond Noon in Remote Airports

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has lifted the ban on aircraft flights after 12:00 PM at airports in remote areas. Now, if flights need to be conducted beyond the time specified by the authority, it will suffice for the crew to make a written announcement.

Previously, the authority had imposed restrictions on flights after 12:00 PM in hilly areas with short runways. However, following protests in the Himalayan and hilly districts, the authority has relaxed the flight regulations.

To ensure safer and more organized flights, the flight crew will bear the responsibility for the extended operational hours.

Flight permission will now only be granted if the chief pilot and dispatcher provide a written announcement before flight operations. This announcement must confirm the maintenance of suitable weather visibility at the intended destination, along the air route, and at alternative airports. Nevertheless, the authority emphasizes that no flight will be allowed until both the crew and the pilot in command are entirely content with the conditions.

The authority's regulations now stipulate that airline companies operating flights from Nepalgunj airport to smaller airports must obligatorily station a flight operations officer at Nepalgunj airport.

Furthermore, a high-level committee, under the coordination of the Deputy Director General of the authority, has been established to review the operating hours of hilly airports and all small airports. This committee will also conduct a study on in-route weather conditions to enhance flight operations.