Aviation Safety Alert Issued in Nepal as Cyclone Arnab Approaches

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has advised airlines, airport managers and aviation personnel to enhance precautionary measures ahead of severe conditions expected from Cyclone Arnab. Officials reported that the storm system is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast near Visakhapatnam in India, bringing widespread disruption to weather patterns across the region. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the system could produce moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and severe winds across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Mountainous and high-altitude areas are also expected to experience snowfall. Civil aviation authorities warned that flight departures, landings, runway security and general airport operations face potential disruption due to lower visibility and bad weather between 29 October and 31 October. In response to the safety risks, air traffic controllers have been directed to maintain higher separation distances between aircraft during periods of heavy rain or poor flying conditions. Aviation infrastructure teams have additionally been instructed to conduct complete assessments of essential systems, navigation equipment and air traffic facilities to ensure uninterrupted service throughout the affected period.