Kathmandu, Nov 17: Air travel across Nepal has been disrupted due to dense fog and haze, especially affecting airports in the Terai region. Poor visibility in the mornings has caused significant delays and flight schedule changes.

Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa has been among the hardest hit, with international flights, including Thai AirAsia from Bangkok, experiencing delays of up to an hour. According to Airport General Manager Pratap Babu Tiwari, flights are only resuming after 11 a.m. or later, as the skies clear.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu has also faced delays due to morning showers, although the skies generally clear by the afternoon. Flights from TIA to regional airports have been particularly affected.

Meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari of the Weather Forecasting Division noted that visibility in the Terai region remains poor due to thick fog, while hilly and mountainous areas maintain better visibility at 9–10 kilometers. Long-term atmospheric pollution has compounded issues, contributing to health concerns such as colds and flu.

Airports in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Simra, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, and other areas have struggled to maintain schedules, with many opening late. Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa confirmed that flights to destinations outside Kathmandu are being delayed as regional airports resume operations gradually.

The current weather pattern indicates no immediate rain, but flight disruptions are expected to continue until visibility improves. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules through airlines and airport authorities.