Three air traffic controllers were suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) after an Air India plane and a Nepal Airlines plane nearly collided in Nepal.
Nepal Airlines’ Airbus A-320, which was flying to Kathmandu from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, came close to Kathmandu-bound Air India plane from New Delhi last Friday, CAAN said.
The collision, however, was averted after the plane’s warning signals alerted its pilots. The radar showed two aircraft in proximity, and prompted the Nepal Airlines aircraft to descend to 7,000 feet.
Air traffic conflict between Nepal Airlines and Air India
The Nepal Airlines aircraft was at an altitude of 15,000 feet whereas the Air India aircraft was descending from 19,000 feet.
CAAN spokesman Jagannath Niroula said that the Nepal Airlines plane was flying to the Tribhuvan International Airport.
“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,” CAAN said via Twitter.
The authorities have also formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. Furthermore, Indian airline pilots have reportedly been banned by CAAN, who has also written to India’s aviation regulator.
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