CAAN directs rural airports not to allow flights apart from scheduled time

KATHMANDU, August 4: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal  (CAAN) has tightened the flight timings of airports in rural areas citing the risks of monsoon. As a result of frequent problems when flying in unfavourable weather conditions and concerns over air accidents, CAAN has designated a specified time for flights in such airports.

The authority has halted flights with low seat capacity and helicopters from flying before the scheduled time at the airport for 3 months. Gyanendra Bhul, information officer and deputy manager of the authority informed that this arrangement has been implemented citing the recent helicopter crash.

"Citing the number of helicopter accidents in Nepal during the monsoon season the authority has implemented the new rule to reduce such risks and strengthen flight safety" he said.

On July 12, a Manang Air helicopter crashed at Likhupike of Solukhumbu district, killing all six onboard. The meeting of Deputy Director General of the Directorate Premnath Thakur and the officials of the related departments of the authority has decided to write to the affiliated airlines to strictly implement the provisions in the Rule 65 of Chapter 10 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2058. Similarly, the Air Transport Department has decided to approve the flight schedule of the affiliated airlines within the operation hours of the airport where the flight will take place while approving the flight schedule.

Domestic Airports and Management Guidelines 2079 will not allow additional flight operations before the flight period (operation hours) determined at various airports, especially until July, August and September, monitoring whether the domestic airport has/has not adjusted the operations related to the flight time.