POKHARA, March 24: The Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) remains closed since 8 AM today due to the presence of eagles on the runway.
According to Jashoda Subedi, spokesperson for PRIA, flight operations have been obstructed due to a large number of eagles attracted to the runway by the insects from the nearby grass fields.
PRIA, earlier closed due to eagles, resumes operations
The airport administration has undertaken measures to clean the runway to eliminate the insects that suddenly appeared. However, as the runway is cleared, the insects relocate to the grassy areas surrounding it, prompting eagles to return.
According to Subedi, as a result of this issue, three planes flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara have been diverted back to Kathmandu, and normal flight operations at PRIA are yet to resume. Flights operated by Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines were among those redirected.
“We cleared the runway and reopened the airport a while ago, but the insect problem persists,” Subedi said, "Flight operations remain closed until further notice.”
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