Part 4/9:
The approach to Kathmandu’s airport posed significant challenges due to its geographical location, sandwiched between two mountain ranges with extreme altitudes. The control tower lacked radar, and radio communications often faltered in mountain territory. As Flight 311 neared the airport, the pilots faced deteriorating weather conditions typical of the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rain and reduced visibility.
After failing to reach air traffic control several times, they were finally cleared for an instrument approach. However, the captain expressed concern over the landing route from the north, which risked dangerously close proximity to the mountains. Instead, he considered diverting the flight to Calcutta, India, over 600 kilometers away.