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Nepal Marks 5 Years Since Deadly Yeti Airlines Crash

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 18:54 GMT by BBC

January 13th, 2026 - Five years have passed since the devastating Yeti Airlines crash near Pokhara, Nepal, on January 15th, 2023, an event that shook the nation and the international aviation community. While the immediate focus then was on the heartbreaking loss of 72 lives and the difficult recovery operation, the tragedy served as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing Nepal's aviation sector and has prompted significant, though arguably incomplete, reforms.

On that fateful Sunday, the ATR 72 aircraft, en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara, plummeted into a gorge just minutes before landing, effectively ending the lives of all passengers and crew. The crash, Nepal's deadliest in three decades, instantly became a symbol of the country's precarious air safety record.

A History of Concerns & Contributing Factors

Nepal's mountainous terrain presents a uniquely demanding environment for aviation. Steep slopes, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited infrastructure have historically contributed to a higher-than-average accident rate. Before 2023, numerous incidents, including crashes and near misses, had already raised concerns about pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory oversight. The 2016 crash of a US-Bangla Airlines flight in Kathmandu, claiming 71 lives, was a particularly poignant event that highlighted these systemic issues.

Initial investigations into the Yeti Airlines crash pointed towards a combination of factors. While the black boxes are still being thoroughly analyzed - the recovery process was exceptionally challenging given the scattered wreckage - early reports suggested potential issues with pilot fatigue, adherence to safety protocols, and the pressure to operate flights under less-than-ideal weather conditions. Concerns were also raised regarding the rapid expansion of Nepal's domestic airline industry, sometimes outpacing the development of necessary infrastructure and regulatory capacity.

The Aftermath: Reforms and Ongoing Challenges

In the wake of the 2023 tragedy, the Nepali government, under intense international and domestic pressure, initiated a series of reforms. These included stricter pilot licensing and recurrent training requirements, enhanced aircraft maintenance schedules and inspection protocols, and revisions to air traffic control procedures. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) saw an influx of funding aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving safety standards. International aviation bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provided technical assistance and conducted audits of Nepal's aviation system.

However, progress has been uneven. Several reports published in the years following the crash suggest that while tangible improvements have been made in some areas - particularly concerning pilot training - challenges persist. The rapid pace of tourism, especially the growth of adventure tourism reliant on air transport to remote regions, continues to put pressure on resources and potentially compromises safety.

"While the reforms were necessary and represent a positive step, the underlying issues of resource constraints, political interference, and a culture that sometimes prioritizes expediency over safety remain," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, an aviation safety expert who has been monitoring Nepal's aviation sector. "The government needs to ensure that these reforms are consistently implemented and enforced, and that independent oversight is strengthened to prevent a return to past practices."

Looking Ahead: The Path to Safer Skies

Five years on, Nepal's aviation sector stands at a critical juncture. The 2023 crash served as a catalyst for change, but sustained effort is needed to truly transform the country's air safety record. The upcoming implementation of new ICAO standards represents another opportunity for progress. Furthermore, a renewed focus on fostering a safety-conscious culture within the entire aviation workforce, from pilots and mechanics to ground crew and regulators, is paramount. Transparency and accountability are also crucial, ensuring that any future incidents are thoroughly investigated and that lessons are learned and applied to prevent recurrence. The memory of the 72 lives lost in 2023 demands nothing less.