Guna Airlines, a domestic carrier that has remained grounded for nearly three years due to a severe financial crisis, has applied to renew its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The move comes even as the airline owes approximately Rs 34.739 million in unpaid dues to the aviation regulator and multiple airports across the country.
Airline Owes Over Rs 31 Million to Tribhuvan International Airport Alone
Guna Airlines suspended flights in early 2023 and has since accumulated significant arrears. According to CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul, the largest portion of the outstanding amount, Rs 31.122 million, is owed to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s main international gateway.
The remaining dues are distributed across several domestic and international airports, representing unpaid service charges accrued during years of operation.
Breakdown of Outstanding Dues
CAAN records provide the following detailed breakdown of Guna Airlines’ debts:
- Gautam Buddha International Airport: Rs 810,000
- Pokhara International Airport: Rs 859,000
- Biratnagar Airport: Rs 772,000
- Surkhet Airport: Rs 242,000
- Tumlingtar Airport: Rs 367,000
- Nepalgunj Airport: Rs 92,000
- Bharatpur Airport: Rs 72,000
- Simara Airport: Rs 70,000
- Janakpur Airport: Rs 38,000
The significant arrears pose a major obstacle to the airline’s effort to resume commercial operations.
Financial Meltdown Forced Grounding in Early 2023
Guna Airlines has not operated any commercial flights since February 2023. Prior to the grounding, the airline was unable to pay salaries to its pilots and staff, signaling a deepening financial crisis.
The company suspended flights on February 13, 2023, after which CAAN formally grounded all its aircraft on February 20, 2023, citing operational and safety risks stemming from financial instability. The airline has remained non-operational ever since.
Airline Seeks Comeback with Fleet Restructuring
Despite the mounting debts, Guna Airlines has approached CAAN to renew its AOC, aiming to restart limited flight operations. The airline currently owns seven aircraft, five Jetstream J41s and two Beechcraft 1900s.
As part of its restructuring strategy, the company plans to:
- Resume services only with the two Beechcraft 1900 aircraft
- Sell all five Jetstream J41 aircraft, which it had purchased from Yeti Airlines in 2021
The proposed restructuring indicates the airline’s attempt to stabilize operations with a smaller, more manageable fleet.
