Nepal tightens flight rules after crash that killed 22 people on board

An investigation into the crash of the Twin Otter aircraft in western Nepal on May 29 is underway

Flights in Nepal will be cleared to fly only if there is favourable weather forecast throughout their route, according to new regulations announced in the wake of a recent crash that killed 22 people, officials said on June 2.

A full investigation into the crash of the Twin Otter aircraft in western Nepal on May 29 is underway, but a preliminary inquiry suggested that bad weather caused the accident.

Air traffic control lost contact with the twin-prop plane shortly after it took off from Pokhara and headed for Jomsom, a popular Himalayan trekking destination.

The wreckage was found a day later, with all 16 Nepalis, four Indians and two Germans who were on board dead.

Aviation companies have raised concerns about how to implement the new regulations, citing the country's limited weather forecasting infrastructure.

Authorities say flight permits will now only be issued after the aircraft's operator submits a flight plan with weather information for the destination and the entire route of the flight, according to a Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal notice issued on May 31.

Providing en-route weather information was previously not mandatory.