Is Air Travel Safe in Nepal?
Air travel in Nepal is a common way to explore the country’s beautiful, mountainous terrain, but many people wonder if it is safe. Nepal’s unique geography and weather make flying challenging, and there have been tragic accidents over the years. Nepal’s Aviation Record: A History of Accidents Since 2000, Nepal has seen more than 20 major aviation accidents, resulting in nearly 350 deaths, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Notable incidents include the Yeti Airlines ATR 72 crash in Pokhara in January 2023, where 72 people tragically lost their lives, and the Saurya Airlines crash in July 2024, which killed 18 near Tribhuvan International Airport during takeoff. Smaller planes like Tara Air’s Twin Otters have also been involved in multiple crashes, such as the 2022 crash near Pokhara that claimed 22 lives. Other cases include the US-Bangla Airlines crash in Kathmandu in 2018, which killed 51 people (Himalayan Times), and the Buddha Air crash near Kath...