Temporary Suspension of Flights at Dhangadhi Airport for Two Days Due to Severe Weather Conditions

Dhangadhi: Kailali's Dhangadhi airport has witnessed a temporary halt in flight operations for a consecutive two-day period, owing to adverse weather conditions, particularly a storm affecting West Terai, including Dhangadhi.

The disruption in air travel was highlighted when a Shree Air flight departed from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu on Friday morning, but the returning flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi faced impediments. Shree Air, which arrived in Dhangadhi on Thursday evening, had to return to Kathmandu on Friday morning.

The Dhangadhi airport office cited the primary challenge as the minimal visibility in the airport area, hovering at a mere 1,100 meters. A visibility of at least 1,700 meters is mandated for safe aircraft landing in the airport vicinity.

The office further explained that the VORDME (VHF Omni-directional Radio Range and Distance Measuring Equipment) system installed at the airport requires a visibility of 177 meters to facilitate safe landings. The current weather conditions are not conducive to meeting this requirement, and flights will resume only when the storm and cold wave in Dhangadhi subside.

Dhangadhi Airport, which typically sees four flights by Shree Air and two flights by Buddha Air daily, has left passengers inconvenienced due to the flight suspension. The situation is particularly challenging for sick and elderly travelers who are grappling with the unexpected disruptions to their travel plans.