CAAN suspends five persons, including chairman Adhikari « Khabarhub

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KATHMANDU: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended Yuvraj Adhikari, Chairman of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), from his post.

The suspension came after an incident in which a wide-body aircraft was sent to Italy via Dubai for a C-check without proper approval. CAAN stated that Chairman Adhikari was temporarily suspended for this breach of protocol.

There are currently no direct flights from Nepal to Italy.

The aircraft was sent for a C-check without obtaining the necessary approvals and completing the procurement process, resulting in immediate suspension of service.

Besides Adhikari, CAAN has also sacked Operations Manager and Captain Dipu Jwarchan, Captain Maheshman Dangol and Raman Ghimire.

In addition, CAMO manager Gyan Bahadur Kunwar was suspended.

Last Friday, NAC management transported the wide-body aircraft on a scheduled flight via Dubai to Italy for a C-check.

Airlines holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from CAAN must comply with the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal regarding regular maintenance and all types of checks on their aircraft.

According to CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, regulations require airlines with an AOC to seek CAAN approval for major checks, including C-checks and overhauls. Moreover, the aircraft was sent to an Italian company for the C-check, which CAAN did not approve.

“The company where the aircraft is being repaired must be authorized by the CAAN. Also, the approval of the CAAN must be obtained before sending the aircraft for C-check,” Bhul said, adding, “However, the NAC management has violated both the rules and has already sent the aircraft to Italy.”

The CAAN suspended all five persons for this violation of the Civil Aviation Act.

Spokesperson Bhul said that the CAAN has set up an internal committee to further investigate the matter and further decisions will be taken based on the findings of this committee.