Cyclone ‘Montha’ Disrupts Nepal’s Air Travel: Domestic and International Flights Affected
Domestic and International Flights
30th October 2025, Kathmandu
Monsoon-like conditions triggered by the lingering effects of the severe Cyclone Montha have significantly impacted air travel across Nepal.
Domestic and International Flights
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu experienced reduced visibility, causing major delays and diversions for both domestic and international flights affected. The cyclonic system, which made landfall on India’s coast, continues to pump moisture and adverse weather into the Himalayan region. This weather pattern challenges aviation safety and frustrates numerous travelers.
Aviation Operations Face Severe Delays
The prolonged period of low visibility at TIA forced airport authorities to delay numerous flights. General Manager Hansa Raj Pandey confirmed that only Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations were possible.
This limitation restricts the number of landings and take-offs, creating a substantial backlog. The situation highlights Nepal’s vulnerability to major weather systems originating in the Bay of Bengal, even after they weaken over land.
The poor visibility means that pilots must rely solely on instruments for navigation, a requirement that significantly slows down the air traffic control process. The single-runway operation at TIA only exacerbates this issue. Travelers must endure long waits inside terminals as authorities prioritize safety.
International Diversions and Domestic Suspension
International flights en route to Kathmandu faced diversions to alternate airports in neighboring countries. This measure is necessary to maintain aviation safety standards when landing conditions are compromised. Passengers on these diverted flights experience significant inconvenience and extended travel times.
Furthermore, domestic flights, particularly those destined for smaller, high-altitude airports like Lukla and Simikot, were disproportionately affected.
These mountain airports often operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning they require clear visibility to function. The heavy rainfall and even snow brought by the ‘Montha’ system in higher regions led to the near-total suspension of flights to these areas. This disruption severely impacts mountain tourism and essential local travel.
The Wider Impact of Cyclone Montha
The influence of Cyclone Montha extends beyond air travel. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) warned of heavy rainfall in eastern Nepal and light to moderate rain and snowfall in the western and mountainous regions.
The adverse weather poses risks to mountaineering and trekking, with authorities urging hikers to cancel plans in areas like the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri circuits. The late-season post-monsoon rain also threatens the ripe paddy harvest, adding to concerns for the agricultural sector. The domestic and international flights affected are just one facet of the widespread climatic disturbance.
The persistence of the low-pressure system, combined with moisture from the cyclone, maintains a complex weather pattern. This is a crucial reminder of how regional weather phenomena can have cascading effects on critical infrastructure, including Nepal’s central aviation hub. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to resume normal flight operations as soon as conditions allow.
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