KATHMANDU: When a Buddha Air aircraft with the call sign 9N AJS had technical difficulties while in flight, it was safely diverted to Kathmandu. Due to issues with its right engine, the aircraft was forced to return to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

The aircraft made a safe landing in spite of the reported mechanical problems, according to Dipendra Kumar Karna, information officer for Buddha Air. To assess the situation and determine the specific type of issues seen, a technical team was dispatched.

Although the airline was taking the required safety measures to protect passengers, no specifics on the technical issue had been revealed at the time of the article. The safe landing and the flight crew's prompt action probably brought relief to the passengers.

In addition to technical issues, the weather caused complications for the aircraft. All of the day's scheduled mountain flights were canceled due to poor visibility caused by the dense fog that covered the hilly regions.

Buddha Air had originally planned to operate five mountain flights, however bad weather prompted the company to cancel these flights entirely. In Nepal's steep terrain, the postponement serves as a reminder of how weather impacts aircraft operations and safety.

Currently, westerly winds have a minor impact on the country's weather, while local winds are influencing the hilly areas of the provinces of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki. Light to moderate rainfall is predicted for isolated hilly areas in Sudur Paschim Province and some parts of Gandaki Province.

The occasion serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by airlines operating in Nepal, particularly in relation to unpredictable weather patterns and technical issues. Safety is still a top priority for airlines, and they must manage these issues to ensure that their passengers fly safely.