Buddha Air Flight Skids Off Runway During Landing at Nepal’s Bhadrapur Airport
A Buddha Air flight numbered 901, departing from Kathmandu, encountered an alarming incident late Friday night as it skidded off the runway upon landing at Bhadrapur Airport, situated in Nepal’s Jhapa district. Thankfully, all 51 passengers and four crew members onboard emerged unscathed.
Incident Overview
– Flight Details:
– Flight Number: 901
– Route: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur
– Passengers: 51
– Crew: 4
– Incident Timeline:
– Occurred late Friday night during landing.
– Rescue Operations:
– Nepal Police confirmed that there were no injuries.
– All individuals aboard were safely evacuated.
The Nepal Police shared the news on X, stating, “The Buddha Air flight that took off from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and 4 crew members to Bhadrapur Airport met with an accident during the landing process. All have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and the concerned authorities.”
Buddha Air’s Response
In response to the incident, Buddha Air released a statement confirming that the aircraft veered off the runway during the landing phase. They also disclosed that a technical and relief team is being dispatched from Kathmandu on another aircraft to assess the situation:
– Aircraft Details:
– Aircraft Registration: 9N-AMF
– Flight Departure Time: 8:23 PM from Kathmandu
– Scheduled Overnight Stay: Bhadrapur Airport with plans to return to Kathmandu the next morning.
Safety Concerns in Nepalese Aviation
This unfortunate incident arrives amidst growing concerns regarding air safety in Nepal, especially following a series of significant aviation accidents in recent years. Notably, in July 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200LR tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Kathmandu, resulting in the loss of 18 out of 19 lives onboard.
– Air Safety Context:
– Rising scrutiny on aviation safety protocols in Nepal due to historical incidents.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates once thorough inspections and technical assessments are conducted.
In conclusion, while the Buddha Air flight incident was alarming, the successful rescue of all passengers and crew members exemplifies the dedication of Nepal’s safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus on improving aviation safety standards in Nepal remains crucial.