KATHMANDU, Aug 29: International flights have been affected as three aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) are grounded at present.

International flights have been affected for two days as three out of the four aircraft of NAC are grounded.

Around 800 passengers were affected in Kathmandu, Hong Kong, Doha, and Dubai on Tuesday as NAC's narrow-body aircraft was grounded. The hydraulic issue in the airline's narrow-body aircraft caused all flights to be canceled, impacting the passengers. Three of the four aircraft that the NAC has for international flights are currently grounded. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal grounded the narrow-body aircraft "Sagarmatha" after a hydraulic problem was detected.

NAC Spokesperson Ramesh Poudel stated that after the narrow-body aircraft "Sagarmatha," carrying 156 passengers from Kathmandu to Hong Kong, was grounded, the passengers were kept in the Radisson Lounge throughout the day. Arrangements were made to send them to their destinations by purchasing tickets from other foreign airlines. He mentioned that Nepal Airlines did not leave the passengers flying to and from Hong Kong stranded and managed hotel accommodations according to international standards. He also added that tickets were purchased on other foreign airlines to ensure the passengers reached their destinations.

He said, "There have been some problems due to the aircraft being grounded again. However, Nepal Airlines has not abandoned the passengers. A responsible international airline upholds its values. We have arranged accommodation for the passengers in hotels and are making arrangements for their flights with other airlines to ensure they reach their destinations."

According to Poudel, the NAC has accommodated the stranded passengers in five-star hotels, as required by international regulations. He mentioned that, in line with these rules, the airline has managed the passengers according to international standards after the last-minute flight cancellation. Due to these cancellations and passenger accommodations, the airline incurred a loss of Rs 10 million from Tuesday's flights.

According to NAC Spokesperson Poudel, the airline has two narrow-body and two wide-body aircraft. However, one of the wide-body aircraft has been stranded in Italy for the past two months for detailed maintenance (C-check).

Spokesperson Poudel mentioned that the aircraft is not stranded; rather, it has completed all inspections and is scheduled to be brought back to Nepal within August. He also said that another wide-body aircraft has been sent to Italy on Wednesday evening for a C-check.

Currently, only one of the two 'Twin Otter' aircraft operated by the corporation for domestic flights is in operation. One of the 'Twin Otter' aircraft used for domestic flights has been grounded for a long time due to technical issues. The NAC has stated that the current problem with the grounded aircraft is temporary, assuring that it will soon manage the aircraft and resume regular flights.

Poudel stated that although there have been instances of aircraft being grounded for other international flights, the availability of multiple aircraft has prevented flights from being significantly affected.

He said that for companies with many aircraft, having issues with one or two aircraft does not cause problems, but the shortage of aircraft in the NAC has led to difficulties. He pointed out that the root cause of the problems in the NAC is the lack of sufficient aircraft.

 
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