CAAN suspends five NAC officials, including Chairperson Adhikari

Published On: June 27, 2024 04:19 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, June 27: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended Yuvraj Adhikari, chairperson of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), due to an unauthorized dispatch of a wide-body aircraft for a C-check in Italy via Dubai.

The suspension, prompted by a breach of protocol, occurred after the aircraft was sent without proper authorization. Currently, Nepal has no direct flights to Italy.

Along with Adhikari, CAAN has grounded Operations Manager and Captain Dipu Jwarchan, Captain Maheshman Dangol, and Raman Ghimire. CAMO Manager Gyan Bahadur Kunwar has also been suspended.

Last Friday, the NAC transported the aircraft to Italy for a C-check through a scheduled Dubai flight. CAAN regulations require airlines with an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to obtain permission for major checks, including C-checks and overhauls.

CAAN Spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul said that the Italian company performing the C-check was not authorized by CAAN, and permission was not sought prior to the aircraft’s dispatch.

An internal committee has been formed by CAAN to investigate the matter further, with additional decisions to follow based on the committee's findings.