Buddha Air Turboprop Skids Off Runway at Bhadrapur Airport; All 55 Onboard Safe

Kathmandu, Jan 2026 : A Buddha Air ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal’s Jhapa district on Saturday, prompting a swift emergency response.

The airline confirmed that all 51 passengers and four crew members aboard the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur were safe. Initial reports indicate that the aircraft experienced difficulty during the landing process, causing it to skid off the runway. The flight, identified as Flight No. 9N-AMF, operates on a short-haul regional route and is a model commonly used in Nepal for domestic services.

Nepal Police confirmed the incident in a statement on X, saying: “On the date of 2082.09.18, the Buddha Air flight that took off from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and 4 crew members to Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa District met with an accident during the landing process. All individuals have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and the concerned authorities.”

Buddha Air issued an official statement expressing concern and appreciation for the rapid rescue. “Update: Regarding Flight Number 901. We are deeply concerned about the incident where the aircraft from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur veered off the runway,” the airline said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Nepal Police, Nepali Army, Civil Aviation Authority, and Buddha Air staff who worked diligently in the rescue operations.”

The airline further stated that passengers who sustained minor injuries received primary treatment and have safely returned home, emphasizing full cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in the ongoing investigation.

Emergency teams, including the Nepali Army, airport authorities, and CAAN personnel, were immediately deployed to evacuate passengers and secure the aircraft. While the runway excursion caused temporary disruption to airport operations, authorities have confirmed that services are gradually being restored following safety inspections.

An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the incident, with authorities examining factors such as weather conditions, runway surface, and aircraft performance.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to aviation safety in Nepal, particularly for turboprop aircraft operating in challenging terrain and variable weather.

Nepal has witnessed similar incidents in the past. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines ATR 72 crashed while landing at Pokhara, killing all 68 passengers and four crew members. Investigators later determined that the crash occurred after the pilot mistakenly feathered the engines, resulting in loss of thrust.

Officials have highlighted that the outcome of Saturday’s Bhadrapur runway excursion was vastly different, thanks to timely emergency response, quick evacuation, and favourable circumstances, underscoring the importance of preparedness in ensuring passenger safety.

The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to release detailed findings once the investigation is completed, which will help strengthen protocols and operational safety for Nepal’s domestic aviation sector.