Close shave: Air India and Nepal Airlines aircraft almost collide mid-air, officials suspended

An Air India aircraft and a Nepal Airlines flight came dangerously close to colliding mid-air, prompting the Air India plane to ascend sharply to avoid the collision. The incident, known as an 'air proximity,' occurred when the Air India Airbus-319 was descending from 19,000 feet to 15,000 feet on air traffic control clearance from Delhi to Nepal. However, at the same altitude, Nepal Airlines flight RNA-416 from Kuala Lumpur was also descending to land. The two planes had almost 200 people on board. Three air traffic controllers at Kathmandu Airport have been suspended for this incident, and the Air India pilots operating the flight have been taken off duty pending an investigation. Nepal authorities have contacted the Indian DGCA for action in this matter. The incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination among air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of air travel.