Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has issued a formal statement addressing misleading and factually incorrect news circulating in various media outlets suggesting that the airline’s chairman flew to Hong Kong while leaving workers stranded in Kathmandu and Saudi Arabia. The corporation emphasizes that these reports are baseless, misleading, and damaging to the airline’s reputation. The press release aims to clarify the facts and prevent public misunderstanding.
Regular Flight Operations Maintained
NAC clarified that its flight to Hong Kong was conducted according to the regular flight schedule. The report suggesting that the chairman personally traveled to Hong Kong is entirely false. The airline expressed regret over the dissemination of such incorrect information, which misrepresents routine operational procedures as intentional misconduct.
Technical Issue on Kathmandu-Dammam Sector
The corporation explained that a technical problem occurred on one of its aircraft during the Kathmandu-Dammam sector, leading to the cancellation of that particular flight. All affected passengers were accommodated according to international aviation regulations, including lodging arrangements funded by the airline. Alternative flights were arranged the following day to ensure passengers reached their destinations without additional inconvenience.
NAC emphasized that technical issues are sometimes unavoidable in aviation, and temporary disruptions in one sector do not reflect negligence or intent. The Dammam flight cancellation was an operational necessity and did not interfere with the planned Hong Kong service.
Hong Kong Flight Was Unrelated to Any Chairperson Travel
The airline clarified that the Hong Kong flight proceeded as scheduled, independent of any disruptions on other routes. The presence of the executive chairman and accompanying team on this flight was purely coincidental and aligned with pre-approved corporate planning. NAC’s operations are guided by strict scheduling protocols, and no single flight is canceled or rescheduled for personal purposes.
Purpose of Executive Visit
NAC further clarified that the chairman’s visit to Hong Kong, accompanied by a team including Marketing Director Tankanidhi Dahal and Senior Pilot Vijay Lama, was officially approved a month in advance as part of strategic corporate activities. The delegation’s visit had multiple objectives, including strengthening flight services and operational efficiency in Hong Kong, engaging directly with local stakeholders, travel agencies, and the Nepali community, and celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Nepal-Hong Kong flight operations.
Additionally, the team aimed to discuss improvements in cargo tracking systems, address issues related to flight delays and cancellations, and explore more effective utilization of widebody aircraft. Another key focus was to gather public feedback and address customer grievances to enhance overall service quality. The corporation emphasized that this trip was a formal, professionally mandated mission and not a personal or unauthorized visit, as had been incorrectly reported in some media outlets.
Engagement with Local Community
During the Hong Kong visit, NAC executives also participated in a short cultural program organized by Nepali literature enthusiasts. The airline clarified that the brief attendance at this event was misinterpreted by some media outlets as evidence of improper conduct. NAC emphasized that the engagement was purely symbolic and part of maintaining strong community relations.
Commitment to Transparency and Professionalism
Nepal Airlines highlighted that reports questioning the integrity of its operations reflect a malicious intent to damage the reputation of the national flag carrier. The corporation urged media outlets to confirm facts with official NAC sources before publishing any news regarding the airline.
The press release reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to transparency, professional ethics, passenger welfare, and aviation safety. NAC stated that all corporate activities, including executive visits and operational decisions, are guided by regulatory compliance and professional requirements, with passenger interests as the top priority.
Looking Ahead
NAC concluded by reaffirming its dedication to improving operational efficiency, expanding flight services, and maintaining robust relationships with local and international stakeholders. The 43rd anniversary of Nepal-Hong Kong flights was celebrated with the motto: “Let’s fly the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, proudly.” The airline urged the public and media to rely on verified information and respect the corporation’s efforts to provide safe, reliable, and professional aviation services to the people of Nepal and beyond.
