Why is landing at Kathmandu Airport so difficult? | Aviation

It is interesting to note that, as the region has some of the highest minimum safe altitudes (MSA’s) in the world, the area presents additional challenges in the event of experiencing pressurization failures. The immediate actions in such an event are to don oxygen masks and descend to 10,000 feet or the MSA (whichever is lower), as passengers can safely breathe with the level of oxygen at that height. Due to the height of the terrain in the region being often in excess of 15,000 feet, it would be impossible to do so. This is why Nepal generally sees very low levels of overflight traffic and forms one of our gaps in the map.

3. Unpredictable Weather

Weather conditions in Kathmandu can change rapidly and unpredictably. The airport often experiences poor visibility due to fog, particularly during the winter months. Wind patterns can also shift suddenly, leading to turbulence and crosswinds that make landing even more hazardous. Additionally, monsoon rains can cause water accumulation on the runway, increasing the risk of hydroplaning…