CAAN issues aviation safety alert over cyclone ‘Arnab’ impact
KATHMANDU: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has issued an aviation safety alert, urging aviation stakeholders to adopt precautionary measures to minimise the potential impacts of cyclone ‘Arnab’.
In a safety circular issued on Wednesday, CAAN directed air service providers, airport operators, airline operators and other concerned entities to exercise caution, warning that the weather system could bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and snowfall in Nepal’s mountainous and high-hilly regions.
The Authority has called for heightened vigilance on October 29 and 30, noting that heavy rainfall, strong winds and reduced visibility could affect flight take-offs and landings, airport operations and runway conditions.
The circular requires the immediate dissemination of information on wind shear, severe atmospheric instability and thunderstorms to arriving and departing aircraft.
CAAN has also instructed air traffic management bodies to prepare comprehensive flight management plans for adverse weather, coordinate with relevant aviation units and, if conditions exceed operational limits, implement measures such as flight diversions, holding patterns and other necessary operational adjustments.
In addition, all concerned entities have been directed to keep critical air navigation and air traffic management infrastructure, including backup power supplies and communication systems, in a state of operational readiness. CAAN said any serious risks, disruptions or safety-related incidents should be reported immediately through the prescribed channels.
