KATHMANDU: A Shree Airlines flight scheduled to depart from Kathmandu for Dhangadhi was redirected back to the parking area near the runway this morning after a fuel odor was detected inside the aircraft.
Sources at Tribhuvan International Airport reported that Flight SHA 221, operated by an aircraft registered as 9N-ANS, was brought back to parking for further technical examinations. The aircraft was originally scheduled to depart from Kathmandu at 8:25 AM.
Airport officials indicated that the decision to redirect the plane was made immediately after the fuel odor was noticed, prioritizing passenger safety.
“The presence of a fuel smell inside the cabin was promptly reported by the flight crew, and as a precautionary measure, the aircraft was returned to the parking bay for a thorough technical inspection,” said an airport representative.
Passengers on the flight were informed of the situation and disembarked safely. Shree Airlines is making arrangements to send another aircraft to complete the scheduled journey to Dhangadhi.
An official from Shree Airlines commented, “We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Safety is our utmost priority, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the aircraft is thoroughly inspected before it is cleared for operation.”
This incident underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and ensuring the well-being of its passengers. The airline has not yet provided a new departure time for the flight but assures passengers that updates will be communicated promptly.
Further investigations into the cause of the fuel odor are underway, and additional checks are being conducted to prevent such incidents in the future. The airline is coordinating with airport authorities to expedite the process and minimize delays for the affected passengers.