Nepal's Plight: Air Safety Under Scrutiny After Catastrophic Crash

Eighteen people were killed when a small plane crashed in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighting the country's poor air safety record. Contributing factors include challenging terrain, ageing aircraft, tabletop runways, and potential regulatory conflicts. Experts call for better training and regulation improvements to prevent future accidents.

A tragic plane crash in Kathmandu has once again drawn attention to Nepal's poor air safety record, where over 360 people have died in air accidents since 2000. The latest incident resulted in 18 fatalities.

Nepal's challenging terrain and sudden weather changes, combined with the country's ageing fleet and poorly maintained aircraft, make flying particularly hazardous. Tabletop runways add to the danger, necessitating skilled piloting to avoid overshooting runways.

The European Union's ban on Nepalese air carriers due to safety concerns remains in effect, although recent regulatory efforts have been noted. Experts emphasize the need for better pilot training and regulatory restructuring to enhance safety. Despite these steps, accidents continue to plague the nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)