A Qatar Airways flight carrying Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba was diverted to Kolkata on Friday, February 28, 2025, due to adverse weather conditions in Kathmandu. The flight, which had departed from Doha, was scheduled to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) but was unable to do so as visibility dropped significantly following light rain in the Kathmandu Valley.
Deuba, 63, was returning from Geneva, where she had attended a United Nations meeting. The aircraft was rerouted to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata as a precautionary measure, ensuring passenger safety amid the challenging weather conditions.
Weather-related diversions are not uncommon at Tribhuvan International Airport, which is surrounded by mountainous terrain and often experiences fluctuating visibility. Airlines operating in and out of Kathmandu frequently face delays or rerouting during adverse weather, requiring careful coordination with air traffic control and alternative airports.
Officials confirmed that once weather conditions improved, necessary arrangements were made for the flight to continue its journey to Kathmandu. There were no reports of any technical issues or concerns regarding passenger safety. The incident highlights the operational challenges of flying into one of South Asia’s most geographically complex airports, where weather disruptions can impact flight schedules.