January 31: Buddha Air has claimed to have successfully set up RNAV navigation system at Bhadrapur Airport for operation of night flights in coordination with Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

The airline company said in a statement that night flights to the airport are possible with the setup of RNAV (area navigation), which allows flights even in low visibility.

“This allows night flights to be operated safely as well. This technology has been adopted worldwide for safe air operations,” the statement said. 

Earlier, this technology was not available at Bhadrapur Airport, forcing the airlines to cancel or delay flights to Bhadrapur due to low visibility and flights could not be operated after sunset, Buddha Air said. This led to a huge burden on travelers and financial burden on airline operators. 

“With the aim of providing the safest, most reliable and comfortable means of air transport, our flights have been instrumental in changing the landscape of Bhadrapur. Domestic and international travelers fly to Bhadrapur daily. This has led to an increase in employment and expansion of local market and tourism in Bhadrapur,” the statement added. 

Buddha Air said that CAAN's team also helped in successfully implementing infrastructures for RNAV and runway light installation at Dhangadhi Airport a few months ago. This allowed airline operators to conduct safe night flights to Dhangadhi Airport as well.

“With close coordination with CAAN, we are hopeful to expand infrastructures to other airports in Tumlingtar, Surkhet and Bharatpur as well.” 

Buddha Air said that Janakpur Airport will also be equipped with RNAV technology in the coming months in collaboration with CAAN and airport authorities. Once test flight is successful, Buddha Air said it will be operating commercial night flights to Janakpur Airport as well.