Nepal, a country of towering mountains and breathtaking landscapes, has a sorrowful history of deadly air crashes. Since the year 2000, a staggering number of 360 lives have been lost in 19 separate air disasters, leaving behind a trail of grief and raising serious concerns about aviation safety in this Himalayan nation. These crashes have occurred across diverse regions of Nepal, often in remote areas where mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and challenging airport conditions pose significant risks to aviation.
The mountainous terrain, with its towering peaks and unpredictable weather patterns, poses a formidable challenge to air travel. Many of Nepal’s airports are located in remote areas, often nestled in valleys surrounded by towering peaks. These airports are often small and ill-equipped, making landings and takeoffs particularly precarious, especially in challenging weather conditions.
One of the most recent tragedies occurred on July 24, 2024, when a Bombardier CRJ 200 plane crashed and burst into flames while taking off from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. This disaster claimed the lives of at least 18 people.
Previous years have also witnessed their share of devastating accidents. On January 15, 2023, a twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft operated by Yeti Airlines crashed in Pokhara, resulting in the tragic loss of all 72 passengers and crew onboard. This crash stands as the deadliest air disaster in Nepal’s history since 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines plane carrying 167 passengers crashed into a hill while attempting to land in Kathmandu.
Other notable crashes include a helicopter crash in central Nepal on July 11, 2023, which claimed the lives of six people, including five Mexican nationals. In 2018, a Bangladeshi airliner operated by US-Bangla Airlines crashed in Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of 51 out of 71 passengers.
These crashes highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Nepal’s aviation industry and the need for continuous improvement in safety standards and infrastructure. The country’s reliance on air travel for accessing remote areas, coupled with the inherent risks of flying in mountainous regions, underscores the importance of proactive measures to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies. As Nepal continues to develop its tourism industry, addressing the challenges posed by its mountainous terrain and improving aviation safety protocols remain paramount.
