Nepal Airlines Corporation is facing growing operational pressure after both of its Airbus A330 widebody aircraft were grounded in Japan and Italy. The two aircraft are central to the national carrier’s international operations, and their continued unavailability has disrupted flights during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The aircraft named Makalu was sent to Italy in August for scheduled C-check maintenance. The work was initially expected to take around 20 days, but technical issues have delayed its return. The aircraft remains at an Italian maintenance facility while repairs and technical approvals are being addressed.
The second aircraft, Annapurna, has also been grounded in Japan following an engine-related problem. A damaged engine component was discovered after the aircraft arrived at Narita, forcing the airline to keep it on the ground until the necessary repairs and safety checks are completed.
With both widebody aircraft unavailable, Nepal Airlines has had to adjust, cancel or reroute some international services. The situation is particularly significant because September and October are traditionally important months for passenger demand, with the festive and tourism seasons bringing more travellers.
The aircraft problems are also adding to the airline’s financial pressure. Nepal Airlines has been dealing with high operating costs, debt obligations and maintenance expenses, while the grounding of its widebody fleet limits its ability to generate revenue from international flights.
The airline now faces the challenge of returning both aircraft to service as quickly as possible while completing necessary maintenance and technical procedures. The latest reports indicate that no firm return-to-service date has been announced for either aircraft.