Kathmandu, Oct 5: A Nepal Airlines flight en route from Kathmandu to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, returned to Tribhuvan International Airport just 51 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft, flight RA 412, experienced technical issues with its “Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System,” commonly referred to as the “TCAS,” prompting the decision to return.

According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the TCAS is a crucial system on board that provides alerts and collision avoidance directives if another aircraft approaches too closely. Due to a technical glitch detected shortly after departure, the pilot opted to return to Kathmandu as a precautionary measure.

Once the aircraft approached Pakistani airspace, the technical issue became apparent, and the pilot decided to return to Kathmandu to ensure passenger safety. The TCAS system is designed to coordinate with other nearby aircraft to avoid potential collisions.

Passengers aboard the flight were assured that the situation was under control, and the aircraft made a safe landing back at Tribhuvan International Airport. The airport authorities also explained that the TCAS is an essential safety feature, and if any issues arise, it is standard procedure to return to the departure airport for further inspection and potential repairs.

This incident serves as a reminder of the stringent safety measures in place within the aviation industry to ensure the well-being of passengers and the safe operation of flights.