Heavy fog disrupts flights at Terai region airports

KATHMANDU: Heavy fog and mist have disrupted flights at airports in the Terai region.

The airports in Simara, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa, and Surkhet have been affected due to poor visibility, as reported by the airport authorities.

According to Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa, flights have been unable to operate at Bhairahawa and Surkhet airports. “Bhairahawa and Surkhet airports are closed, but regular flights are still operating from other airports,” he said.

Currently, the western and local winds are having a partial impact across the country.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted partial cloud cover in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini States, while the rest of the country is expected to have clear weather with partial cloudiness.

Light rain is likely in one or two places in the hilly areas of these States, and there is a possibility of light snowfall in high mountainous and Himalayan regions.

Senior meteorologist Pratibha Manandhar explained that the prolonged dry weather and pollution, along with dense fog in the Terai, have disrupted air travel.

“Even if there is no rain in the Terai, fog and mist are expected to increase in the coming days, and flight operations will be affected,” she said. “From the third week of November, dense fog and mist will become more common. During December, January, and February, fog and mist will be more intense, so the Meteorological Department will carry out special monitoring.”

As temperatures drop, visibility will weaken, which could further affect air travel, especially at airports in the Terai region, the department warned.