A domestic flight operated by Buddha Air in Nepal encountered a serious incident on Thursday, January 3, 2026, when it skidded off the runway during landing. The event, which involved 51 individuals, has once again brought aviation safety in the region into sharp focus.
The Incident at Bhadrapur Airport
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft 1900D twin-turboprop, was operating a scheduled service. It was attempting to land at Bhadrapur Airport in the Jhapa district of eastern Nepal when the mishap occurred. Initial reports and visual evidence confirm that the plane veered off the tarmac runway, coming to a rest on the grassy area beside it.
Miraculously, despite the alarming nature of the incident, all 51 people on board, including 48 passengers and 3 crew members, escaped without any injuries. The immediate response from airport emergency services was activated, and all individuals were safely evacuated from the aircraft. The exact cause of the runway excursion is under investigation by relevant authorities.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The incident led to significant disruption at Bhadrapur Airport. The airport authorities were forced to temporarily suspend all flight operations to allow for the recovery of the aircraft and a thorough inspection of the runway for any potential damage. This closure affected several other scheduled flights, causing inconvenience to travelers.
Buddha Air, one of Nepal's leading private airlines, promptly acknowledged the incident. In an official statement, the airline confirmed the safety of all souls on board and stated that a detailed technical investigation has been initiated to determine the factors that led to the skid. The airline has also committed to cooperating fully with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in the probe.
Broader Context of Aviation Safety in Nepal
This incident at Bhadrapur is not an isolated event in Nepal's challenging aviation landscape. The country's rugged Himalayan terrain and often unpredictable weather conditions make flying particularly demanding. Over the decades, Nepal has witnessed several aviation accidents, leading to international scrutiny and calls for enhanced safety protocols.
Airports like Bhadrapur, which serve as crucial connectors to remote and hilly regions, often have shorter runways and can be more susceptible to such incidents during adverse weather or technical malfunctions. This latest event underscores the continuous need for rigorous pilot training, stringent aircraft maintenance, and modernized airport infrastructure across the country.
While this event concluded without casualties, it serves as a critical reminder for regulators, airlines, and passengers. It highlights the importance of unwavering adherence to safety standards in one of the world's most demanding flight environments. The findings of the official investigation will be keenly awaited to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
