Possible impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’: Air safety alert issued, directs to keep alternative power supply and communication system on standby

लगानी न्यूज

११ कार्तिक २०८३, बुधबार २१:२८October 28, 2026

Kathmandu. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has urged all to adopt air safety precautions to minimize the damage caused by the powerful cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’.

Arnab, which is expected to enter the coastal areas around Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam of India, may enter Nepal, so CAN has urged to be cautious as it is expected to enter Nepal.TAG_OPEN_div_30

Issuing a security circular today, CAAN has issued a circular to air service providers, airport operators, airline operators and concerned stakeholders to adopt necessary precautions. According to the circular, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and snowfall in the mountainous and high hilly areas of Nepal due to this weather system. The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has stated that the impact of this weather system is likely to be felt especially in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and some parts of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.TAG_OPEN_div_28

The CAAN has urged all to take precaution as heavy rain, strong winds and low visibility may occur from October 28 to October 29, causing problems in flight and landing, operation of the airport and runway surface.TAG_OPEN_div_26

The CAAN has directed the air traffic management bodies to make a proper plan for flight management in adverse weather, coordinate with other airlines service units as per the need and change the flight route if the situation goes bad beyond the set operation limit due to the weather.TAG_OPEN_div_24

Similarly, the radar controller has been asked to maintain the necessary distance as the flight may be affected due to heavy rain or adverse weather. The circular also states that information about sudden changes in wind speed and direction (wind sear), intense atmospheric instability and lightning storms should be provided to the aircraft taking off and landing immediately.

The authority has directed to carry out regular inspections keeping in mind the risk of water accumulation on the runway, surface slippage and affecting the braking capacity of the aircraft due to rain. It has been asked to maintain constant coordination between the airport operation, civil engineering and airside department, remove goods and garbage blown by strong winds, and ensure that the lights and other essential systems of the airport are in regular operation. The circular also states that necessary information should be issued immediately if there is a problem in the operation of any equipment or system.TAG_OPEN_div_20

CAAN has urged the airline operators and flight crew to make a detailed assessment of the weather before the flight, to take into account possible delays, holding and landing at alternative airports, and to follow the set safety procedures including adequate fuel management.TAG_OPEN_div_18

Similarly, directives have also been issued to all bodies concerned to keep the essential infrastructures of air traffic management, alternative electricity supply and communication system in ready condition and to inform immediately about any serious risk, obstruction or security incident through the prescribed means.TAG_OPEN_div_16