KATHMANDU, Nov 3: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended Ashok Thapa, the chief of the Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district, due to his decision to grant flight clearance to a quarreling pilot. According to CAAN's Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul, Thapa's suspension is not only connected to the flight permission but also pertains to a security concern arising from the fight between the two pilots.

Bhul explained, "Thapa's suspension stems from questions raised about his authorization for pilot Sanjeev Shrestha to operate a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla, particularly considering the conflict that had transpired, which also carries security implications."

Thapa's suspension is effective until further notice, and the authority has initiated an investigation into the fight between the two pilots that occurred on Friday morning. Tara Air's Senior Captain, Sanjeev Shrestha, and Captain Santosh Shah had a physical altercation at Ramechhap Airport, leading the air traffic control to suspend both pilots' licenses and prevent them from flying. CAAN may take further action, including the possible revocation of the pilots' licenses, following the completion of the investigation.

 
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