Kathmandu, 29 October (H.S.): The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has directed aviation stakeholders to strengthen safety precautions to minimise potential disruptions caused by Cyclone Arnab. In a safety circular, the authority instructed air service providers, airport operators, airlines and other concerned agencies to exercise heightened vigilance as the weather system could bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and snowfall to Nepal’s mountainous and high-hill regions.

The authority has called for particular caution on October 29 and 30, warning that heavy rainfall, strong winds and reduced visibility could affect aircraft take-offs and landings, airport operations and runway conditions.

CAAN has instructed air traffic management units to prepare effective flight management plans for adverse weather conditions and coordinate with other aviation agencies as necessary. If weather conditions deteriorate beyond established operational limits, the units have been directed to take appropriate measures, including rerouting flights, placing aircraft in holding patterns and implementing other necessary operational adjustments.

The safety circular also requires the immediate communication of information about wind shear, severe atmospheric instability and thunderstorms to both arriving and departing aircraft to help flight crews respond promptly to changing weather conditions.

In addition, all concerned agencies have been instructed to ensure that critical air navigation services and air traffic management infrastructure remain fully operational. This includes maintaining the readiness of backup power supplies and communication systems.

The authority has further directed aviation stakeholders to report any serious risks, operational disruptions or safety-related incidents immediately through the prescribed channels.

The precautionary measures are intended to strengthen preparedness across Nepal’s aviation sector and help maintain safe flight operations as the effects of Cyclone Arnab develop.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar