On July 24, 2024, a tragic incident occurred at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu when a Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed during takeoff around 11:00 AM local time. The flight, bound for Pokhara, was carrying 19 people, including crew members. According to PTI, “at least 18 people were killed” in the crash.
The aircraft involved was a Mitsubishi CRJ-200ER, which caught fire upon impact, releasing a significant plume of smoke, as reported by Khabarhub. Emergency responders swiftly extinguished the blaze. Rescue operations continue to be conducted by police and firefighters. The condition of the pilot, who was taken to a nearby hospital, remains undisclosed, according to a security official stationed at the airport.
The crash was attributed to a runway excursion during takeoff, as confirmed by TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha. He stated, “The accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff.”
Tribhuvan International Airport is notorious for its challenging geographical location, situated on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges and valleys. These features, combined with unpredictable weather conditions, contribute to its reputation as one of the world’s riskiest airports.
Nepal’s aviation sector has faced persistent safety issues, leading to the European Union’s ban on Nepali carriers from its airspace due to safety concerns. The country’s difficult terrain and rapid weather changes pose ongoing challenges to aviation safety. Nepal has witnessed several tragic aviation accidents in recent years, including a Yeti Airlines crash near Pokhara in January 2023 that claimed 72 lives, a Tara Air crash in Mustang in May 2022 resulting in 22 fatalities, and a US-Bangla Airlines crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in 2018 that caused 51 deaths.
