During a routine landing at Chandragadhi Airport in Bhadrapur, Jhapa, Buddha Air encountered an unexpected hurdle, causing the aircraft to overshoot the runway around 7 PM on Monday. The incident unfolded due to the presence of a fox on the runway during the final stages of landing, as confirmed by Kishore Kumar Khatri, the airport’s information officer.
In adherence to safety protocols, standard procedures demanded the clearing of the runway upon spotting animals or any suspicious objects. Prompt action ensued as the aircraft initiated a “missed approach,” ensuring a secure landing after a brief delay of approximately 10 minutes. Despite the complexities associated with night-time operations regulated by Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the aircraft successfully touched down following necessary clearance.
The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) promptly directed the pilot to execute a missed approach upon identifying the fox, while swift mobilization of police personnel and vehicles was carried out to restore the runway’s operational status.
Khatri underscored the airport staff’s unwavering commitment to safety, emphasizing thorough runway inspections before every takeoff and landing, particularly under night-time conditions governed by IFR.
Additionally, in another significant development, Nepal has received 377,000 Pfizer vaccine doses designated for booster shots. The Ministry of Health and Population orchestrated this procurement, considering the imperative need for booster doses among chronic patients and individuals planning international travel.
Dr. Surendra Chaurasiya, Chief of the Supplies Management Section at the Department of Health Services, affirmed the arrival of these vaccines through COVAX, augmenting an earlier batch of 373,000 doses received on November 24. COVAX’s commitment to providing a total of 750,000 booster doses for Nepal underscores collective efforts in strengthening the country’s vaccination campaign.
These vital vaccines are slated for distribution to provincial health facilities, amplifying Nepal’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its defense against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Also Read: Nepal Receives 377,000 Pfizer Vaccine Doses for Crucial Booster Campaign
