Enhancing Air Travel Safety In Challenging Terrain

Nepal's aviation history began in 1949 when a Douglas DC-3 aircraft landed at what would become Tribhuvan International Airport, marking the country's first flight. At the time, Nepal's rugged terrain made overland travel challenging, with journeys often taking weeks. This flight demonstrated the potential of aviation to revolutionise connectivity and logistics in such a landscape. The industry began flourishing in 1991 when the government opened the skies to private operators, breaking Nepal Airlines' monopoly and introducing competition. Airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Tara Air became vital, particularly for remote areas where road travel remained difficult. 

Air travel became a lifeline for many, facilitating medical supplies, family connections, and daily life in challenging conditions. Although roads still handle 90 per cent of passenger and freight movement, air travel's reliability has steadily grown, particularly in tourism, which accounts for 8 per cent of Nepal's GDP. Nepal’s unique geography, with its towering mountains and narrow valleys, creates significant challenges for air travel safety. The country’s unpredictable weather, poor visibility, and high altitudes make flying, especially in small aircraft, extremely difficult.

Risks

Over the past five years, several tragic accidents have brought these risks into sharp focus. Recent aviation accidents in Nepal, including the US-Bangla Airlines crash (2018), Yeti Airlines crashes (2020, 2023), and the Saurya Airlines crash (2024), highlight the ongoing challenges of navigating Nepal's unpredictable weather and difficult terrain. These tragedies have sparked efforts to strengthen aviation safety through stricter regulations, improved training, and better infrastructure to prevent future disasters. They have led to stricter safety measures and improvements in pilot training and infrastructure. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and regulation of Nepal’s aviation sector. As of 2024, CAAN oversees the implementation of aviation safety standards, regulatory frameworks, and the certification of airlines and aircraft. The authority is responsible for enforcing compliance with national and international regulations, including those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). CAAN has adopted strict safety guidelines for airline operators, which include mandatory pilot training, regular aircraft inspections, and adherence to weather-related flight restrictions in challenging terrains. 

Airlines operating in Nepal must also meet CAAN’s safety standards, which include obtaining certifications such as Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and ensuring their aircraft are compliant with maintenance and safety regulations. In recent years, CAAN has strengthened safety measures by introducing new regulations for helicopter operations and improving infrastructure at major airports, aiming to enhance the overall safety of air travel in Nepal. Advancements in aviation technology have greatly improved air travel safety. Modern aircraft are now equipped with advanced navigation systems, weather radar, and GPS, helping pilots navigate the country’s difficult terrain and avoid bad weather. 

Real-time communication systems provide up-to-date weather information, allowing pilots to make informed decisions during flights. In addition, the use of automated flight controls and terrain awareness systems in the cockpit has reduced human error, making flights safer. Pilot training has also seen significant improvements. More comprehensive programmes now focus on the unique challenges of flying in Nepal, with simulators helping pilots prepare for mountainous landscapes. Real-world training ensures they are ready to handle the country’s unpredictable weather and narrow valleys. 

Airlines have also tightened safety protocols, conducting regular drills and emergency response exercises to ensure crew members are fully prepared for any situation. Together, these technological and training advancements have played a key role in improving aviation safety in Nepal. Recent efforts to improve air travel safety in Nepal have led to significant changes, driven by new initiatives, technological upgrades, and international partnerships. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has introduced tougher safety regulations and worked closely with global aviation organisations to meet international standards.

Improvements

This collaboration has resulted in the installation of advanced systems, such as terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) in aircraft, along with improved weather monitoring and communication technologies. Infrastructure improvements have also been made at major airports. Tribhuvan International Airport, for example, has benefited from upgraded radar systems and expansion projects to enhance safety and accommodate modern aircraft. Additionally, Nepal has strengthened cooperation with neighbouring countries and international aviation bodies to share best practices and improve safety protocols. These steps ensure that both pilots and ground staff are well-trained to handle challenging situations, making air travel safer for all. 

In conclusion, ensuring the safety of air travel in Nepal is an ongoing priority, especially given the country’s unique geographical and weather challenges. While progress has been made, continued improvements are necessary. To maintain and enhance safety, it’s important for the government, airlines, and the public to work together. By strengthening regulations, investing in modern technology, and improving pilot training, the risk of accidents can be reduced. A united effort from all sectors will help make air travel safer for passengers and support the continued growth of Nepal’s aviation industry.

(Basnet is currently pursuing MSc in Air Transport Management at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.)