On March 23, 2023, a major aviation incident was narrowly avoided when an Air India aircraft came dangerously close to colliding with a Nepal Airlines aircraft mid-air. The incident occurred over the international airspace near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India.
According to reports, the Air India aircraft, which was traveling from Delhi to Bangkok, was at an altitude of 35,000 feet and the Nepal Airlines aircraft was at an altitude of 27,000 feet when they came within 200 feet of each other. The pilots of both planes were able to avert a disaster by taking evasive actions.
Following the incident, the Nepal government suspended two air traffic controllers (ATCs) on March 27, who were responsible for managing the airspace where the near-miss took place. The Nepal government also initiated an investigation into the incident.
While the suspension of the two ATCs is a step towards accountability, the incident raises serious questions about the safety of air travel in Nepal. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Nepal’s airspace, and it is important to examine the root causes of these incidents to prevent future occurrences.
One possible cause of such incidents is the lack of investment in Nepal’s air traffic control system. Nepal’s air traffic control infrastructure is outdated and inadequate, with some equipment dating back to the 1980s. The country has been struggling to upgrade its air traffic control system for years due to a lack of funds and technical expertise.
Another possible cause is the lack of proper training and supervision of air traffic controllers. The air traffic control system in Nepal has been plagued by a shortage of skilled personnel, leading to overworked and overstressed controllers. This, coupled with inadequate training and supervision, can lead to errors and potentially dangerous situations.
It is also important to note that Nepal’s airspace is heavily congested due to its location between two major aviation hubs, India and China. This makes it all the more crucial for Nepal to invest in its air traffic control system and ensure that its controllers are well-trained and equipped to handle the high volume of air traffic passing through its airspace.
In conclusion, the near-miss incident between the Air India and Nepal Airlines aircraft highlights the urgent need for Nepal to invest in its air traffic control system and prioritize the safety of air travel. It is imperative that the Nepali government takes swift action to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure that its air traffic control system is equipped to handle the volume of air traffic passing through its airspace.
