Advertisement
Kathmandu: In a recent spat between Air India and Nepal Airlines, the Air Traffic Controller of Tribhuvan International Airport has been removed from the post till further orders. The Civil Aviation Department of Nepal has taken this action. On March 24, the flights of Air India and Nepal Airlines were saved from colliding in the air. A major accident was averted due to the warning system of the planes.
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) of Tribhuvan International Airport involved in traffic conflict incident (between Air India and Nepal Airlines on 24th March 2023) have been removed from active control position until further notice. pic.twitter.com/enxd0WrteZ
— Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (@hello_CAANepal) March 26, 2023
What was the matter?
In fact, a major accident was averted on last Friday when an aircraft of Air India and Nepal Airlines came very close in mid-air. However, the warning system alerted the pilots, allowing timely action to avert a disaster. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended two employees of the Air Traffic Control Department for negligence.
On Friday morning, Nepal Airlines flight coming from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Kathmandu and Air India flight coming from New Delhi to Kathmandu came very close. The Air India aircraft was descending below 19,000 feet, while the Nepal Airlines aircraft was flying at an altitude of 15,000 feet at the same location. After radar showed that the two planes were close, the Nepal Airlines plane descended to 7,000 feet.
The Civil Aviation Authority has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to probe the matter. CAAN has suspended two officials who were in charge of the control room at the time of the incident. There was no immediate comment from Air India.
