Kathmandu, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Sita Air aircraft carrying 16 people had a narrow escape at Juphal Airport in Nepal’s Dolpa district on Thursday when its right rear tyre came off while landing, with all passengers and crew members reported safe.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri, chief of the District Police Office in Dolpa, said the incident occurred at around 8:25 a.m. The aircraft was carrying 13 passengers and three crew members.
“All crew members and passengers are safe,” Giri said.
The passengers included seven foreign nationals from France, Germany and Belgium, along with six Nepali nationals.
The aircraft had taken off from Nepalgunj Airport in southwestern Nepal and was approaching Juphal Airport when the right rear tyre reportedly detached during landing. A video showing the tyre coming off the aircraft and rolling down a slope subsequently circulated on social media.
The aircraft remained on the airport’s runway following the incident, police said.
“Necessary decisions will be taken regarding the aircraft once a technical team arrives to investigate its condition,” Giri said.
A technical team is expected to examine the aircraft and determine the cause of the tyre failure. Further details of the incident are awaited as the investigation continues.
Juphal Airport serves Dolpa, one of Nepal’s remote mountainous districts where air connectivity is an important means of transport for residents and visitors.
The incident comes against the backdrop of continuing concerns over aviation safety in Nepal. The country’s challenging mountainous terrain has contributed to a history of serious aviation accidents.
A Saurya Airlines aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Kathmandu on July 24, 2024, killing 18 of the 19 people aboard. The accident investigation highlighted concerns relating to aircraft operations, flight preparation, cargo handling and regulatory oversight.
The European Union has also kept Nepal on its aviation safety list since 2013, restricting Nepali airlines from operating in EU airspace.
The circumstances surrounding Thursday’s incident are being investigated.
FOLLOW NOW
