Adverse weather causes missed approach for Air Arabia aircraft at TIA

KATHMANDU: An Air Arabia plane made a missed approach overshoot while attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 1:05 pm today.

The aircraft, which was approaching for its final descent, suddenly veered off above runway due to wind shear—an abrupt change in wind speed and direction.

According to TIA spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, wind shear occurs when winds from different directions mix, creating a whirlwind effect that destabilizes aircraft during landing.

“The Air Arabia plane made a missed approach while taking its final approach to TIA,” Sherpa said.

In addition to the Air Arabia incident, an Air India flight from New Delhi had to circle the skies above Simara, making four turns before landing safely. Similarly, a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok was briefly put on hold.

Earlier, a Nepal Airlines flight from Narita, Japan, along with flights from Qatar Airways, Batik Air, Fly Dubai, Buddha Air, and Yeti Airlines, also faced delays and holds due to low visibility and adverse weather conditions.

Sherpa added that international flights are more affected due to bad weather, as they are required to land only from the west side (Zero Two) of the runway.

Domestic flights, on the other hand, are less affected as they can land from both sides.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, with ongoing pre-monsoon activities causing fluctuating weather patterns.