Nepal is considered one of the riskiest places for aviation in the world due to issues with its aviation system, challenging terrain, and unpredictable weather.
The crash of a plane carrying 72 people in Nepal illustrates the dangers of traveling in a country known for its high aviation risks.
After taking off for 18 minutes, Yeti Airlines’ flight lost contact with the control tower in central Pokhara—the second most populous city in Nepal and the gateway to the Himalayas. The ATR 72-500 was nearing the end of its short journey from the capital Kathmandu to Pokhara.
The crash resulted in at least 68 fatalities. This is the worst airplane accident in Nepal in the past 30 years and the third-worst aviation disaster in the country’s history, according to data from the aviation safety network.
Experts indicate that severe weather conditions, limited visibility, and mountainous terrain have created many dangers for Nepal’s aviation industry.
Nepalese citizens and rescue teams gather near the crash site in Pokhara on January 15. (Photo: AP).
Challenging Terrain
Nepal, a nation of 29 million people, is home to 8 of the 14 highest mountains in the world and is an attractive destination for trekking enthusiasts. However, this terrain is difficult to navigate from the air, especially in bad weather and with small aircraft.
For example, Nepal’s first international airport—Tribhuvan—is located in a narrow valley at an altitude of 1,338 meters above sea level, providing very limited space for aircraft to maneuver.
The airport in Lukla, in northeastern Nepal, is also known as the most dangerous airport in the world. The runway is situated on a cliff between mountains, with a steep drop at the end of the runway, according to CNN.
Unpredictable Weather
According to the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority’s aviation safety report in 2019, “the diversity of weather patterns combined with challenging terrain poses significant challenges for aviation operations in Nepal. Notably, the number of accidents involving smaller aircraft is relatively higher,” reported Hindu Times.
The unpredictable weather complicates the challenges faced by flight crews. Weather in mountainous regions can change rapidly, with severe storms potentially arriving unexpectedly. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of appropriate radar technology at airports.
In such cases, pilots must rely on visual observation to navigate, dealing with dangerous terrain and difficult weather conditions.
Inadequate Equipment
In 2015, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, prioritized assistance to Nepal through the Safe Aviation Implementation Support Partnership program. The country has seen improvements in safety standards in recent years, but many limitations remain.
The flight tracking website FlightRadar24 noted that the ATR 72 operated by Yeti Airlines involved in the January 15 crash had been in service for 15 years and was “equipped with an outdated transponder with unreliable data,” according to AP.
The ATR 72 model was introduced in the late 1980s and is a product of collaboration between France and Italy. This type of aircraft has been linked to several deadly accidents over the years, including two incidents in Taiwan.
Additionally, Times Now reported that Nepal lacks a highly skilled and well-trained aviation workforce. Meanwhile, budget constraints further increase the pressure on industry personnel, some of whom sometimes have to take on extra duties and work long hours.
According to the Times of India, aircraft operators also noted that Nepal lacks weather forecasting infrastructure, especially in remote areas with challenging mountainous terrain, where deadly accidents have occurred in the past.
The notorious reputation of Nepal’s aviation industry is such that the European Commission has banned the country’s airlines from operating within its airspace since 2013.
