Qatar Airways Flight Diverted to Kolkata Due to Poor Weather Conditions in Kathmandu

On February 28, 2025, a Qatar Airways flight transporting Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba was diverted to Kolkata owing to bad weather in Kathmandu. The decision was made to maintain passenger safety as visibility declined. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-300, will resume its journey to Nepal once conditions improve, highlighting the airline’s adherence to safety protocols amidst weather challenges.

A Qatar Airways flight carrying Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, was diverted to Kolkata on February 28, 2025, due to poor weather conditions in Kathmandu. The diversion was caused by a sudden drop in visibility from light rain and adverse weather patterns over the Kathmandu Valley. The decision was taken to prioritize the safety of the passengers onboard, including the Foreign Minister who was returning from a United Nations meeting in Geneva.

The flight, which originated from Doha and was operated with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, experienced significant visibility challenges as it approached Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). These weather complications were linked to a western low-pressure system affecting the region, prompting officials to divert the flight to Kolkata. This precautionary measure is indicative of Qatar Airways’ commitment to ensuring passenger safety amid challenging weather conditions.

Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft will proceed to Kathmandu once weather conditions improve, although details concerning the number of passengers onboard have not been disclosed. While the flight is currently grounded in Kolkata, Qatar Airways is actively monitoring the situation to determine an appropriate time for resumption of travel to Nepal.

Situated in the Himalayan region, Tribhuvan International Airport often faces weather-related disruptions, characterized by rapid changes in weather, causing low visibility and flight delays. The incident with Qatar Airways reflects ongoing challenges the aviation sector faces due to geographical factors, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols. The airline’s choice to divert highlights their priority on passenger welfare and the implementation of international aviation standards.

Earlier in February 2025, a similar situation arose involving a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight that required a priority landing due to a cracked cockpit windshield. These scenarios underscore the constant imperative for airlines to handle unforeseen technical difficulties and adverse weather while prioritizing passenger safety. Both Qatar Airways and KLM exemplified agility in response to unexpected circumstances, ensuring that passenger well-being remained paramount.

Though disruptions can cause inconvenience, such incidents illustrate the efficacy of aviation safety systems. Transparency and effective communication with passengers, particularly in times of crisis, emerge as essential components for airlines to alleviate concerns and foster trust. As both Qatar Airways and KLM navigate through these challenges, they uphold high safety standards to ensure the well-being of all passengers.

The recent diversion of a Qatar Airways flight carrying Nepal’s Foreign Minister to Kolkata due to adverse weather conditions in Kathmandu exemplifies the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. Such incidents, coupled with a recent KLM flight requiring urgent landing, remind the aviation industry of the necessity for stringent safety protocols and effective communication. Both airlines demonstrate the priority placed on safety while handling unpredictable weather and technical challenges.

Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com