A passenger plane was forced to abandon its landing at Kathmandu International Airport after its pilot spied a goat on the runway.

The Bhutan Airlines flight was on final approach to Nepal’s only international airport when the captain opted to go-around – or “goat around”, quipped the Aviation Herald.

Kathmandu Airport is Nepal's only international transport hub Credit: alamy

The Airbus A319-100 then ascended out of the narrow valley and entered the holding pattern while airport personnel rushed to capture the goat. It was apprehended and removed from the area – and the plane was cleared to land once again.

The aircraft had flown from Paro in Bhutan – a 70-minute journey – with 68 passengers and 8 crew on board. It eventually landed successfully 40 minutes after the first attempt.

Many major airlines fly into Kathmandu International Airport – including Etihad Airlines, pictured here at the airport in 2012 Credit: alamy

Kathmandu International Airport, also known as Tribhuvan International Airport, is the main gateway into Nepal and served by major operators such as Qatar Airways and Etihad.

It is thought that the goat had escaped from the army battalion responsible for airport security, as it was spotted in a high-security area. The investigation is ongoing - but this isn’t the first time that errant animals have caused havoc at the airport.

According to the Himalayan Times, Kathmandu International Airport has been plagued by monkeys, dogs, rats, rodents and cats – and cows and buffaloes have also caused disruption. The airport, which has also suffered numerous bird strikes in recent years, has been criticised for its lack of wildlife management experts.

Instead, the airport employs hunters to stem the local wildlife population. “The TIA now has a five-member hunter squad being active round the clock only at the airside areas,” an airport official told the newspaper.