Temporary Closure of Tribhuvan International Airport Due to Electrical Fault
Flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) have been temporarily suspended following an electrical short circuit that occurred on the runway. This incident has led to disruptions in both domestic and international flights, causing significant inconvenience for passengers and airlines alike.
According to TIA officials, the short circuit took place around 5:25 PM on Saturday. The cause of the incident is believed to be water seepage resulting from continuous rainfall. Preliminary investigations suggest that an “edge light” located along the side of the runway was affected by the rain, leading to the electrical fault.
Technicians from the TIA’s Electrical Department are currently working to identify and repair the fault. The airport authorities have issued a formal notice to inform airlines and aviation personnel about the temporary shutdown. It is expected that the airport will remain closed until 9:20 PM on Saturday.
Following the incident, several flights were instructed to hold in the skies above Simara. These included flights arriving from Dubai operated by Fly Dubai, Doha operated by Qatar Airways, and South Korea operated by Korean Air. Additionally, a Buddha Air ATR aircraft that was en route from Janakpur was also placed on hold in the same area.
Despite the disruption, officials have stated that no flights have been diverted so far. However, with departures from Kathmandu halted, the number of stranded passengers at the airport has continued to increase. This situation has created a backlog of travelers who are now waiting for updates on their flight status.
The impact of this incident extends beyond just the immediate disruption. Airlines and airport staff are now dealing with the challenges of managing passenger expectations and ensuring smooth operations once the airport reopens. The situation highlights the importance of maintaining robust infrastructure and having contingency plans in place to handle unexpected events.
Passengers affected by the closure are advised to stay updated through official channels for any further developments. Airlines are likely to provide assistance to those impacted, including rebooking options and information on alternative travel arrangements.
As the technical team works to resolve the issue, the focus remains on restoring normal operations as quickly as possible. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between weather conditions and the functioning of critical infrastructure like airports.
In the coming hours, further updates are expected from TIA officials regarding the progress of repairs and the anticipated timeline for resuming regular flight operations. Until then, travelers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines for the latest information on their journeys.