BTN News: A tragic incident involving Saurya Airlines has left only one survivor, according to a statement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The flight, which carried 18 Nepalese passengers and one Yemeni national, all employees of the airline, ended in disaster when the plane crashed during takeoff.
Images released by the Nepalese police depicted thick smoke billowing from the burning aircraft on the runway. The crash occurred at around 11 a.m. local time as the plane departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, en route to Pokhara for technical maintenance, said Gyanendra Bhul, an airport information officer.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, and authorities managed to bring the situation under control. However, the incident underscores the ongoing aviation challenges in Nepal, often cited as one of the most perilous places to fly due to its mountainous terrain.
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, has a notorious history of aviation accidents. The country’s weather can change abruptly, and many airstrips are located in remote, mountainous areas. Small aircraft with fewer than 19 seats are particularly vulnerable under these conditions, according to a 2019 safety report by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Despite recent safety improvements, Nepal’s aviation sector continues to face significant challenges. Outdated aircraft and insufficient investment in newer technology exacerbate the risks. Last year, Nepal experienced its deadliest air disaster in over three decades when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed near Pokhara, killing at least 68 people.
In May 2022, a Tara Air flight departing from Pokhara crashed into a mountain, resulting in 22 fatalities. Similarly, in early 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to Kathmandu crashed on landing and caught fire, claiming 51 lives. Additionally, in 2016, another Tara Air flight crashed on the same route as the recent Saurya Airlines incident.
Aviation Safety in Nepal: An Ongoing Concern
Nepal’s aviation industry has long been plagued by safety issues, primarily due to its challenging geography. The country’s rugged mountains and unpredictable weather conditions create a hazardous environment for air travel. While improvements have been made in aviation safety standards, the high risk remains a critical concern.
The Himalayan nation’s airstrips, often located in isolated and difficult-to-access areas, add to the complexity of safe air travel. Pilots must navigate through treacherous terrain and cope with sudden weather changes, which can significantly impact flight safety. Small aircraft, which are more susceptible to accidents in these conditions, are commonly used due to their ability to land on short, rugged runways.
Recent Aviation Tragedies
The recent Saurya Airlines crash is the latest in a series of aviation disasters in Nepal. Each incident highlights the persistent risks associated with flying in this region. The 2023 Yeti Airlines crash near Pokhara was particularly devastating, with a death toll of 68, marking it as Nepal’s worst air disaster in over 30 years.
In May 2022, the tragic crash of a Tara Air flight into a mountain claimed the lives of 22 people. This incident underscored the dangers posed by Nepal’s mountainous terrain and challenging flying conditions. The 2018 crash of a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka to Kathmandu further illustrated the risks, with 51 fatalities resulting from the plane catching fire upon landing.
Conclusion
The Saurya Airlines accident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Nepal’s aviation sector. Despite efforts to enhance safety standards, the combination of mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and aging aircraft continues to pose significant risks. As Nepal strives to improve its aviation infrastructure, the need for increased investment and modernization becomes ever more critical to ensure the safety of all who travel by air in this beautiful yet challenging region.
