Tragedy struck in Nepal when a small plane operated by Saurya Airline caught fire during takeoff at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, claiming the lives of 19 passengers on board. The Civil Aviation Authority reported that Captain Manish Shakya, aged 37, was the sole survivor and was rushed to KPC Hospital after the crash.
This devastating event once again sheds light on the perilous nature of aviation in Nepal, a country with a challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions that pose significant risks for air travel. With nearly 360 fatalities in the last two decades from 19 significant air crashes, Nepal's aviation industry faces serious questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight.
The history of aviation tragedies in Nepal includes high-profile incidents like the 2023 crash of a twin-engine ATR 72 operated by Yeti Airlines, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people in Pokhara. From a helicopter crash that claimed six lives, including five Mexican tourists, to a 2022 crash killing 22 people shortly after takeoff, the country has seen a concerning pattern of recurrent disasters. The industry's limited investments in modern aircraft and infrastructure, coupled with inadequate regulatory oversight, have contributed to the high-risk environment for air travel in Nepal.