Poor visibility disrupts flights at TIA; NOC slashes diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel prices

Kathmandu / March 31: Flight operations were disrupted due to adverse weather conditions at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), with at least half a dozen international flights diverted due to low visibility.

According to TIA Spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, heavy fog reduced visibility, causing several airlines to divert their flights. Flights from Jazeera Airways, Air India and Fly Dubai were among those affected.

Sherpa said that two aircraft from Jazeera Airways and Air India were diverted to Varanasi, India, while a Fly Dubai flight was redirected to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Other flights landed after holding for some time.

“Visibility was around 1,600 meters this morning, which did not meet the required standards for landing according to airline guidelines. It has now improved to 3,000 meters, but dust and fog continue to affect landings,” Sherpa said.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) stated that the partial impact of the westerly wind is affecting the country, with the possibility of light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in some hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki provinces. Light snowfall is also expected in high-altitude and mountainous areas.

The DHM has urged the public to take precautions as these weather conditions may impact daily life, agriculture, health, road, and air transport.

NOC slashes diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel prices

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel, effective from Monday midnight.

According to NOC, the price of diesel and kerosene has been cut by Rs2 per litre each. Meanwhile, the price of aviation fuel has been reduced by Rs7 per litre for domestic flights and by USD 51 per kilolitre for international flights.

With the revised rates, diesel and kerosene will now cost Rs146.50, Rs148, and Rs149 per litre in the first, second, and third price categories, respectively. Likewise, domestic aviation fuel will now be priced at Rs125 per litre.

For international flights, aviation fuel will now cost USD 952 per kilolitre in Kathmandu, USD 782 in Pokhara, and USD 767 in Bhairahawa.