Buddha Air issues six-point directive amid flight time reduction plan at TIA

KATHMANDU, Nov 6: Buddha Air, a private airline, has issued a six-point flight directive following the reduction plan in flight times due to the ongoing upgrades at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Starting November 8, the upgrade work at TIA will continue for about five months. As a result, a "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM) has been issued, restricting flights between 10 PM and 8 AM. Buddha Air anticipates that the upgrades will significantly improve aircraft operations and traffic management. The airline has also stated that the current flight schedule is suitable, as the upcoming monsoon, which could disrupt the upgrade process, will not start for several months.

Buddha Air Spokesperson Dipendra Kumar Karna expressed confidence that managing flights during the winter months, when the reduced flight times take effect, would be easier. He noted that winter operations are frequently affected by fog and low visibility at many airports. He added that the airport expansion would also smoothen airline flight management, making the current maintenance period relevant.

Related story

Flights expected to be disrupted for two hours due to calibrati...

Flights operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), including night flights, must be completed by 10 PM. Similarly, flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) must be completed during daylight hours, depending on visibility. Otherwise, flights risk being canceled.

The six-point directive issued by Buddha Air notes that while there are enough aircraft to maintain the flight schedule, adverse weather and air traffic conditions can cause delays. Passengers are advised to report to the check-in counter at the time specified on their tickets.

The check-in counter will close 15 minutes before departure. If the airport opens late due to weather or air traffic issues, there is a higher chance of flight cancellations. In such cases, tickets will be rescheduled for the next available flight, based on seat availability.

For canceled flights, refunds will be processed within three to four days. Buddha Air clarified that if a flight is canceled due to air traffic or time constraints, no "delayed schedule" will be available for the next day. Passengers with connecting international flights are advised to allow for a wider time gap or book tickets for the day before.