Enhance Air Safety

Pallav Bhusal

Nepal's breathtaking landscapes, with their towering peaks and rugged terrains, have long been a draw for adventurers and tourists. However, these same features that make Nepal so alluring also contribute to a deadly record in aviation safety. With over 360 fatalities from airplane and helicopter crashes since 2000, and a staggering 109 air accidents in 71 years of aviation history, it is high time to confront the grim reality of Nepal's unsafe skies.

The recent tragedy, in which 18 lives were lost during take-off, serves as yet another painful reminder of the inherent dangers in air travel. This incident is not an anomaly but part of a consistent pattern of air disasters that have plagued the nation for decades. Despite this alarming frequency, Nepal has yet to initiate any judicial or criminal inquiries into these accidents, leaving a gaping void in accountability and justice.

Nepal's geography is undeniably challenging for aviation. Nestled between India and China, and home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, the country's airports are often perched in remote, mountainous regions. These locations are frequently shrouded in clouds, with sudden weather changes that make flying perilous. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reported that 93 per cent of deaths in air accidents over the past decade were due to collisions with terrain or other obstacles. Yet, while the terrain is unforgiving, it should not be used as an excuse for the lack of safety protocols and accountability that could prevent such tragedies.

Nepal's status as one of the world's poorer countries has resulted in a fleet of aging aircraft that are often poorly maintained. These older planes, lacking modern safety features, are more prone to mechanical failures. The European Union recognised these safety concerns, banning Nepali air carriers from its skies in 2013. Although the EU acknowledged some improvements in oversight by 2023, the continued reliance on outdated aircraft is a critical factor in Nepal's dismal safety record.

Moreover, pilot training in Nepal has come under scrutiny. Several crashes have been attributed to poor decision-making and inadequate adherence to standard operating procedures. The worst crash in three decades, which occurred in January 2023 and claimed 72 lives, was reportedly caused by a pilot's failure to follow basic protocols, a stark reminder of the gaps in training and experience among Nepali flight crews.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Nepal's aviation crisis is the systemic failure of regulation and oversight. In most countries, aviation regulation and services are managed by separate entities to avoid conflicts of interest. In Nepal, however, the CAAN is responsible for both regulating airlines and managing airports. This dual role has raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement, with critics arguing that the CAAN is unable to effectively monitor its own operations. Despite these criticisms, the CAAN denies any conflict of interest.

The lack of judicial or criminal inquiries into air accidents is a glaring omission that reflects a culture of impunity. Without accountability, there is little incentive for meaningful reform. The families of the victims, and indeed the entire nation, deserve answers and justice. The government and aviation authorities must prioritise safety reforms, including upgrading aircraft, improving pilot training, and establishing independent regulatory bodies. Nepal's skies do not have to be death traps. With the right investments and a commitment to transparency and accountability, the country can shed its reputation for air disasters. The time for action is now, before more lives are needlessly lost in the Himalayan nation's perilous skies.