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Avion Thrust, Kathmandu (2026)

17/05/2026

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is facing scrutiny over alleged regulatory violations and safety lapses concerning its Airbus A320 aircraft, "9N-AKX Lumbini." According to a report published by Naya Patrika, the national flag carrier violated the rules by removing a fully operational, leased Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) from the aircraft to cut rental costs. Aviation guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and international bodies strictly prohibit removing service-ready equipment to exploit operational loopholes, raising serious concerns regarding regulatory compliance and standard operating procedures within the state-owned airline.

The controversy stems from the extended misuse of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) provision, which is intended solely for short-term, emergency relief when a component unexpectedly fails. Records indicate that the leased APU was utilized for 223 days from May 16, 2025, until December 25, 2025 and was only uninstalled when the cumulative rental fees neared 60 percent of the unit's total value. Although manufacturer guidelines typically cap MEL operations without an APU at 120 days while repairs are completed, NAC failed to fix its original equipment by the April 24, 2026 deadline. Instead of grounding the vessel, the corporation secured a one-month extension from CAAN to continue commercial flights without the critical component.

Aviation experts have warned that flying commercial airliners long-term without a functional APU directly compromises passenger safety and operational efficiency. The APU serves as a vital backup system, providing emergency electrical power during flight, maintaining cabin air pressure, and supplying conditioning, alongside facilitating independent engine starts during ground operations. By repeatedly extending flights without this system, NAC is drawing heavy criticism for prioritizing financial cost-cutting measures over standard emergency safeguards and international safety protocols.
Info: Naya Patrika

16/05/2026

A Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) narrow-body aircraft has been stranded at Hong Kong International Airport after being denied aviation fuel due to an expired procurement contract. The aircraft had successfully operated flight RA409 from Kathmandu to Hong Kong earlier today, carrying 130 passengers. However, its return flight (RA410) to Kathmandu, which has 85 passengers booked on board, remains grounded.

According to airport sources, the refueling crew in Hong Kong refused to service the aircraft, citing that the agreement between Nepal Airlines and the local fuel supplier, AFSC, had already expired. The incident has exposed severe administrative lapses within the national flag carrier. Sources within the airline stated that both the Operations Department in Kathmandu and the Hong Kong station management failed to track and renew the fuel supply agreement before its expiration.

Internal communications from the NAC Hong Kong office highlighted the ongoing coordination breakdown, noting that the required fuel voucher for the return flight had not been received and attempts to contact relevant senior management in Kathmandu went unanswered. Meanwhile, Nepal Airlines management has stated that urgent technical and administrative efforts are now underway to resolve the contract issue, manage the stranded passengers, and resume flight operations as quickly as possible.
Info: Kantipur

14/05/2026

A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 widebody aircraft departed from Tribhuvan International Airport for Istanbul on Thursday after being grounded in Kathmandu for four days. The plane flew back empty as a "ferry flight" following extensive repairs. The aircraft had been stuck in Nepal since Monday morning after a technical emergency occurred shortly after landing.

The incident happened when a fire broke out in the hydraulic system of the aircraft's right main landing gear upon arrival. This led to the immediate closure of the Kathmandu airport for nearly two hours. All 288 people on board, including 273 passengers and 11 crew members, were safely evacuated using emergency slides. While the passengers were sent to their destinations on a different flight later that evening, the damaged aircraft remained on the northern parking apron for repairs.

A specialized team of six technicians arrived from Istanbul with necessary spare parts to fix the plane under the open sky. They replaced all the emergency evacuation slides, repaired the landing gear assembly, and changed a damaged tire. After the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted the necessary flight permits, the aircraft was cleared to return to its home base. Turkish Airlines remains a vital carrier for Nepal, providing key connections to Europe, the US, and Canada.
Info: Kantipur

12/05/2026

Nepal’s domestic aviation landscape is set for a boost as two new carriers, Sagarmatha Air and Danfè Airlines, move forward with fleet acquisitions after receiving No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Sagarmatha Air, led by entrepreneurs Janak Thapa and Ishwar Lamichhane, has officially entered the helicopter segment by purchasing an Airbus AS350 B3 from Mountain Helicopters. While the ownership transfer is complete, CAAN officials noted that the company is currently finalizing the formal documentation required to initiate commercial flight operations.

In the fixed-wing sector, Danfè Airlines is positioning itself as a competitive domestic carrier by acquiring three Jetstream aircraft from Guna Airlines. Guna Airlines, which had grounded its fleet due to internal management issues, reportedly reached an agreement to sell three of its five Jetstream planes—originally purchased from Yeti Airlines—to the newcomer. Danfè is currently finalizing banking procedures for the transfer of ownership and plans to utilize these aircraft specifically for regional provincial routes.

The management of Danfè Airlines, which includes industry veterans such as Raju Shrestha and Captain Kosh Bahadur Thapa, has outlined an ambitious expansion strategy to scale its operations rapidly. Beyond the initial Jetstream fleet, the airline aims to introduce seven ATR aircraft within the next three years, citing the ATR as their primary preference for long-term service. Meanwhile, Mountain Helicopters' General Manager, DB Oli, confirmed that despite selling one unit to Sagarmatha, they intend to replenish their fleet to maintain their market presence.
Info: Clickmandu

11/05/2026

Passenger waiting times at airports in Nepal are set to decrease following the government’s new policy measures announced for the fiscal year 2083/84.

Presenting the government’s policies and programmes at a joint session of the Federal Parliament on Monday, said that an e-gate system will be installed at international airports to streamline passenger movement and reduce waiting times. A one-door digital system will also be implemented to improve service efficiency.

The policy document further states that tourist visa services will be fully integrated into an online system to simplify the process for foreign visitors.

In addition, the government said diplomatic initiatives will be undertaken to attract more international airlines to and .

11/05/2026

A Turkish Airlines aircraft arriving in Kathmandu from Istanbul caught fire while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday morning. According to airport security officials, flames were spotted in the aircraft’s landing gear and tyre section at around 6:45 am during touchdown, prompting an immediate emergency response at the airport.

Fire engines were swiftly deployed to the runway and the blaze was brought under control shortly after the aircraft landed. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated through emergency exits, and no injuries were reported in the incident. Airport operations remained under close monitoring following the emergency landing.

The aircraft, operating as flight TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu, was carrying around 278 passengers along with 11 crew members. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and technical teams are inspecting the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Info: Onlinekhabar

04/05/2026

In a strategic move to bolster the market expansion of the national flag carrier, the Government of Nepal has amended the Public Procurement Act (PPA) through a new ordinance. The amendment specifically exempts Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) from following the standard Public Procurement Act for the purchase or leasing of aircraft, engines, and related aviation equipment.

Previously, the law only allowed exemptions for certain aviation-related equipment purchases. Under the new provisions, the scope has been significantly broadened. Public entities authorized to operate flight services can now bypass the lengthy and often restrictive PPA processes when acquiring new aircraft, leasing engines, or procuring essential aviation components.

This legislative change is expected to provide NAC with the flexibility needed to compete in the aggressive international aviation market. By removing the traditional procurement hurdles, the Corporation can now move faster in acquiring new fleet additions and managing engine maintenance contracts, which are often time-sensitive operations.

Officials believe this decision will streamline the Corporation's operations, allowing for quicker decision-making and more efficient fleet management as it seeks to regain its competitive edge.
Info: Bizness News

30/04/2026

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has issued a formal apology after facing backlash for sharing a network map on social media that incorrectly depicted the Jammu and Kashmir region as part of Pakistan. Acknowledging the "cartographic inaccuracy," the national flag carrier admitted to a serious oversight regarding international borders. The corporation quickly removed the controversial post, stating that the error did not reflect the company's official stance or the geopolitical realities of the region.

In an official statement, the corporation expressed deep regret for any discomfort or misunderstanding the post may have caused among its neighbors and partner nations. "We highly value the strong relationships we share with our neighboring and friendly countries," the statement read, emphasizing that the airline will implement stricter oversight for future digital content. NAC assured the public that it remains committed to maintaining diplomatic sensitivity and will take necessary precautions to prevent such geographical discrepancies in its future communications.

29/04/2026

Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to revolutionize airport operations by introducing humanoid robots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting this May. This initiative, as reported by the BBC, marks the beginning of a two-year pilot program aimed at significantly reducing the physical workload of ground staff. Initially, the airline will deploy two Chinese manufactured robots specifically tasked with the loading and unloading of cargo containers, addressing some of the most labor-intensive aspects of ramp operations.

The trial serves as a blueprint for a more automated future within the aviation industry. While the first phase focuses on cargo, JAL plans to eventually expand the robots' capabilities to include cleaning aircraft cabins and operating ground support equipment. Currently supported by a workforce of approximately 4,000 ground handling employees, the airline envisions a transition toward fully autonomous operations, where these robots can perform a wider variety of complex tasks independently.

This move follows the successful integration of specialized robots for security patrols and retail services in various Japanese airports. However, the introduction of humanoid robots designed to mimic human form, gestures, and interaction represents a major technological leap. By utilizing machines that can walk, speak, and navigate human environments, Japan Airlines aims to create a more efficient and sustainable "ground support" ecosystem amidst evolving labor demands.
Info: Ujyalo Nepal

27/04/2026

The Government of Nepal has formally decided to request heavy-lift helicopters from the United States, pivoting from an earlier proposal to receive six Bell 412 aircraft. This strategic shift, coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizes the nation’s urgent need for aircraft capable of transporting heavy machinery, steel beams, and construction materials to remote, roadless areas using external slings or hooks. Officials noted that while passenger transport remains important, heavy-lift capabilities are a "lifeline" for critical infrastructure projects and large-scale development in the country's most rugged terrains.

The request falls under the $100 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program announced by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma in August 2024. This military modernization effort follows the recent delivery of two PZL-28 Block 05 Skytrucks in August 2025, which brought the Nepalese Army’s Skytruck fleet to five. By opting for heavy-lift platforms over the Bell 412s, Nepal aims to enhance its tactical response to frequent natural disasters—such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides—where Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities and high-capacity cargo transport are vital for life-saving rescue and rehabilitation operations.

Analysts suggest this decision carries significant weight in regional geopolitics and international power dynamics. Nepal had previously planned to procure two Mi-17V-5 helicopters from Russia, a process that was stalled following the American aid proposal. As the U.S. seeks to bolster Nepal’s military self-reliance and balance growing Chinese influence in South Asia, this transition toward heavy-lift American aviation technology marks a definitive step in strengthening the bilateral defense partnership while addressing Nepal’s unique logistical and humanitarian challenges.
Info: Baarhakhari

Avion Thrust

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