The Nepal Airlines Corporation’s Airbus A320 aircraft ‘9N-AKX’ Lumbini, after undergoing engine maintenance, has once again faced a halt in Israel. The date for the return of the ‘9N-AKX’ aircraft to Nepal still remains uncertain after facing parking brake issues in while the aircraft was about to operate its first flight after 5 months for returning back to Nepal.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) had announced the transfer of the aircraft on Baisakh 10, prompting NAC pilots to travel to Israel. However, after encountering problems during the brake check, the aircraft’s return was halted by the corporation’s crew members already in Israel.
Following engine issues, the aircraft was grounded in Kathmandu on Mangsir 15 (1 Dec 2023), soon after arrival from Bangkok. When the aircraft was grounded at Tribhuvan International Airport and discussions ensued, NAC’s Executive Chairman Yuvaraj Koirala had sent the aircraft to Israel on Poush 26 (11 Jan 2024).
It has been 146 days since the aircraft was grounded on Monday. Similarly, it has been 103 days since the aircraft was sent to Israel.
Sources point to a problem during the parking brake maintenance of the repaired aircraft. The spare parts for the brakes are not available in Israel. The source states, “The spare parts are stuck in London. Only after the spare parts are changed in Israel will the aircraft come to Nepal.”
The aircraft was scheduled to arrive in Nepal via Dubai on Monday morning. However, due to the negligence of the engine maintenance company IAI, the timing of the aircraft’s arrival in Nepal has once again become uncertain.
Preparations were underway for the NAC to operate regular flights from Tuesday onwards after the arrival of the aircraft. However, with another problem arising in the aircraft, the flight schedule planned from Tuesday has been affected. It has been decided that all passengers will be sent to their destinations by other airlines.
