Saurya Airlines Plane Crashes At Kathmandu Airport: Why Are Plane Crashes On The Rise In Nepal?

Nepal plane crash: A Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.

The plane, heading to Pokhara, carried nineteen individuals, including the aircrew, and the accident occurred around 11 a.m., according to TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur. Rescue operations are underway at the crash site, involving police and firefighters.

Recent Nepal Plane Crash History

This incident follows a significant crash on January 15, when a Yeti Airlines aircraft, with 72 occupants, crashed near Pokhara International Airport, as reported by The Quint. That crash, the deadliest in Nepal in the past thirty years, resulted in 57 Nepali and 15 foreign deaths.

The recent crash occurred shortly after the commencement of operations at Pokhara International Airport. The pilot had not reported any issues before the crash, and the airport is considered relatively easy to navigate. An investigation is currently in progress to determine the cause, as per media reports.

Challenges in Nepal's Aviation Sector

Nepal's challenging mountainous terrain often necessitates air travel, despite the presence of alternative transport options. Increased air travel, driven by inadequate road infrastructure and rising disposable incomes, has not been matched by improvements in aviation safety. Although there has been investment in air travel infrastructure, with two new international airports opening in the past eight months, safety concerns remain prevalent, as reported.
Safety Concerns and Systemic Issues

The Yeti Airlines crash has amplified concerns about air safety in Nepal. Issues with aircraft operators, pilots, and equipment are under scrutiny. Nepali operators frequently use older aircraft due to financial constraints, and many have not fully complied with safety recommendations. Political connections can shield operators from regulatory scrutiny, leading to lapses in safety.

Notably, Nepali pilots, though generally well-trained, have faced discipline issues, with several grounded recently for disobeying air traffic control instructions, as reported by The Diplomat. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), responsible for both regulation and service provision, faces criticism for conflicts of interest that impact safety regulations. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has not fully adhered to accident investigation recommendations.

Impact on Tourism and Geopolitical Reactions

The crash has impacted tourism in Nepal, particularly in Pokhara, a key tourist destination. Local businesses report a decline in visitors, though it is expected that air travel patterns will normalize as the necessity of air travel outweighs short-term safety concerns. There may be a temporary reduction in Indian tourist arrivals by air, with some opting for overland routes, according to The Diplomat.

Notably, the international airport where the crash took place has been constructed by China, which is associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The crash has also reinforced the European Union's justification for its ban on Nepali airlines, potentially prompting further scrutiny and necessary improvements in Nepal's aviation safety protocols.