The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended Yuvraj Adhikari, Chairperson of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), following the unauthorized dispatch of a wide-body aircraft for a C-check in Italy via Dubai.
The suspension follows a breach of protocol, as the aircraft was sent without the necessary authorization. Notably, Nepal currently has no direct flights to Italy.
In addition to Adhikari, CAAN has grounded several key personnel, including the Operations Manager and Captain Dipu Jwarchan, Captain Maheshman Dangol, and Raman Ghimire. CAMO Manager Gyan Bahadur Kunwar has also been suspended.
Last Friday, NAC transported the aircraft to Italy for the C-check through a scheduled Dubai flight. According to CAAN regulations, airlines holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) must obtain permission for major maintenance checks, including C-checks and overhauls.
CAAN Spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul stated that the Italian company performing the C-check was not authorized by CAAN, and permission was not sought before the aircraft’s dispatch.
CAAN has formed an internal committee to investigate the incident further. Additional decisions will be made based on the committee’s findings.
