Kathmandu, January 3, 2026: A narrow escape was reported on Friday night after a passenger aircraft operated by Buddha Air skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal. All 55 people on board were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.
The incident involved Flight 901, an ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft (registration 9N-AMF) arriving from Kathmandu. The aircraft landed at around 9:10 pm but overshot the runway, traveling approximately 200 to 300 metres beyond the paved surface before coming to rest in a grassy area near a small rivulet. The plane sustained minor damage.
There were 51 passengers and four crew members on board. Officials from Nepal Police and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal confirmed that everyone was rescued safely. While initial reports indicated no injuries, a later update from Jhapa district police stated that seven people, including the co-pilot, sustained minor injuries. Six of them were discharged after receiving treatment.
One passenger, Umesh Moktan from Panchthar district, has been widely praised for his presence of mind during the incident. According to eyewitness accounts, he assisted in opening an emergency exit at a critical moment, helping ensure a swift and orderly evacuation as panic briefly spread inside the cabin.
Following the incident, Buddha Air dispatched a technical inspection team and support staff from Kathmandu. The aircraft remained grounded at Bhadrapur overnight and will resume service only after mandatory safety checks and clearance.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the runway excursion. Preliminary assessments are examining factors such as runway conditions, braking efficiency, and weather at the time of landing.
The incident has once again drawn attention to aviation safety challenges in Nepal, which has difficult terrain and a history of air accidents, including the deadly Yeti Airlines Pokhara crash.
Images and videos circulating on social media show the aircraft resting beyond the runway, highlighting how close the incident came to becoming a major disaster. Airport authorities have secured the area, and normal operations at Bhadrapur Airport are expected to resume after clearance.
Buddha Air has thanked passengers for their cooperation and assured full assistance to those affected.
