Private airline Saurya Airlines, which suspended operations following a tragic accident over a year and a half ago, is set to resume domestic flights from the first week of Falgun, 2082. The airline will initially operate to three domestic destinations, marking a significant step in restoring services and confidence among passengers.
Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul confirmed that Saurya Airlines has received the necessary flight permissions, completing all regulatory and operational preparations required to restart service.
Flights to Restart in Second Week of Falgun
According to Saurya Airlines’ Market Manager Mukesh Khanal, the airline will begin operations from the second week of Falgun, with daily services to Kathmandu, Biratnagar, and Bhadrapur. The restart follows the reinstatement of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which had been suspended after the 2081 Shrawan 9 crash.
The airline plans to initially operate three flights daily using its Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft, each with a 50-seat capacity. A second aircraft is scheduled to enter regular operations after maintenance within six months, while the first will begin with charter flights.
Background: 2081 Accident and Suspension
Saurya Airlines’ operations were halted after a tragic accident on Shrawan 9, 2081, during a Kathmandu–Pokhara flight, when the CRJ 200 aircraft (registration 9N-AME) crashed near Tribhuvan International Airport, claiming the lives of 18 passengers. The accident led to the immediate suspension of all Saurya Airlines flights, pending safety audits and regulatory clearance.
Following extensive reviews, the AOC restrictions were lifted on 2082 Shrawan 30, clearing the airline to resume flights after meeting all safety requirements.
Safety Audit and Regulatory Clearance
Saurya Airlines successfully passed a safety audit, scoring over 65%, which enabled CAAN to grant flight permission. The airline has also received prior approvals to expand its fleet, including the ATR 72–699 series, a step aimed at future service expansion.
The company emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and all measures have been taken to ensure compliance with regulatory standards before resuming operations.
Fleet and Operational Plans
Currently, the airline owns two Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft, each with a 50-seat capacity, which will be used to restart domestic flights. Initially, one aircraft will operate charter services, while the second aircraft will undergo required maintenance and enter service within six months.
Saurya Airlines has announced plans to provide flights from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi, aiming to gradually expand its domestic network and restore passenger confidence.
The resumption of Saurya Airlines flights is seen as a major step toward revitalizing the private aviation sector in Nepal, which has faced challenges in safety perception and operational consistency following the accident. The airline’s phased restart strategy, combined with compliance with safety standards, is expected to gradually regain passenger trust while contributing to domestic air connectivity.
With careful monitoring and adherence to international safety norms, Saurya Airlines aims to re-establish itself as a reliable player in Nepal’s domestic aviation market, providing critical air transport links across major cities.
