Collision between Air India, Nepal Airlines flight averted, two suspended

NEW DELHI: As per reports, a major accident was averted when an Air India and Nepal Airlines aircraft came close to colliding with each other over Kathmandu on Friday.

The warning systems alerted the pilots of both the planes, and a major tragedy was averted.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter, and suspended the two officers, who were in charge of the control room at the time of the incident

The Nepal Airlines plane was coming to Kathmandu from Kuala Lumpur and an Air India plane was flying to Kathmandu from New Delhi.

The Air India aircraft was descending from 19,000 ft while the Nepal Airlines aircraft was flying at an altitude of 15,000 ft at the same location, CAAN spokesperson Jagannath Niroula was quoted as saying by reports.

According to the spokesperson, after the radar showed that the two aircraft were in proximity, the Nepal Airlines aircraft descended to 7,000 ft.

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