KATHMANDU: Two narrow-body aircraft operated by the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), are currently grounded in foreign countries. Of the two Airbus A320-200 series aircraft, each with a seating capacity of 157, one is stranded in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and the other in China.
The aircraft registered as 9N-AKX , manufactured by the European aircraft maker Airbus, was grounded in Dammam on Sunday after technical issues were detected during a routine pre-flight inspection. “A problem was found in the nose landing gear during the regular check before the flight, so we decided to ground the aircraft,” said NAC spokesperson Ramesh Poudel. “We are in talks with Saudi Airlines for repairs,” he added.
Similarly, another aircraft of the same series, registered as 9N-AKW , which had been sent to China for routine maintenance (C-check), was also delayed from returning to Kathmandu as scheduled. Poudel stated that the delay occurred because the maintenance cost had not been finalized on time, preventing the aircraft from being cleared for flight.
“Our maintenance company, China Southern Airlines, took some time to process the payment for repairs, which is why the aircraft couldn’t return on schedule,” Poudel explained. “However, both aircraft are expected to return to Kathmandu by Monday.”
Impact on Flights
With both narrow-body aircraft grounded, flights from Saudi Arabia to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to Dubai via the UAE have been suspended. According to Poudel, some stranded passengers in Saudi Arabia have been accommodated in local hotels, while others are being brought to Kathmandu on tickets purchased through alternative airlines.
“For passengers traveling to Dubai on Sunday and Monday, we will arrange their travel on a wide-body aircraft on Monday,” Poudel said. “We are managing the situation as best as possible. Flights to other destinations remain unaffected.”
Fleet Overview
Nepal Airlines Corporation currently operates four aircraft for international flights: two narrow-body Airbus A320-200s (157 seats each) and two wide-body aircraft with a seating capacity of 274 each.