Overview of the incident
A Buddha Air turboprop flight carrying 55 people veered off the runway during landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal, according to initial reports. The aircraft, operating a domestic service from Kathmandu, carried 51 passengers and four crew members. The incident prompted an emergency response from local authorities but, as of the latest updates, there were no confirmed fatalities and injuries have not been widely reported.
Flight route and context
The plane was on a routine domestic route from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to Bhadrapur, a city in the southeastern region of the country. Buddha Air is one of Nepal’s leading domestic carriers, known for serving smaller airstrips across the Himalayas. The landing mishap occurred as the aircraft touched down at Bhadrapur, prompting the crew to veer away from the runway’s centerline and bring the plane to a halt with the assistance of ground personnel.
Immediate response and crew actions
First responders were dispatched to the runway to manage the scene, ensure passenger safety, and assess potential damage to the aircraft. Airline officials and aviation authorities stated that the crew followed standard safety procedures during the emergency. Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft in an orderly fashion, with ground staff guiding them to safety as medical teams stood by as a precaution.
Impact and safety implications
Runway excursions, while uncommon, highlight the importance of robust ground handling procedures, weather considerations, and aircraft performance during the approach phase. Investigations typically assess factors such as wind conditions, visibility, aircraft braking performance, tire condition, and possible mechanical issues. At this stage, authorities have not released a definitive cause, and the incident is under review by Nepal’s aviation regulators and the aviation safety board.
What comes next for Buddha Air
Following the incident, Buddha Air will cooperate with investigators to determine root causes and implement corrective actions if needed. The airline has a history of operating within Nepal’s demanding terrain and climate, where domestic air travel remains a vital lifeline for many communities. passenger safety remains the highest priority, and the company has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Context for readers
Domestic aviation in Nepal connects remote towns to major cities, often through small airfields with challenging approaches. While modern fleets and trained crews help ensure safety, rare runway excursions remind the public that all flights carry some level of risk, and effective emergency response is essential. Updates from official channels will provide a clearer picture as investigators complete their examination.
