The national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation’s Airbus A320 aircraft ‘9N-AKX’ Lumbini, stuck in Israel even after completion of engine maintenance from 5 months, due to parking brake issues while returning back to Nepal previously has finally started its journey to be back home today.
The aircraft has already landed in Dubai airport at 4:22 PM Nepali time today that departed from Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. From Dubai the aircraft will commence commercial flight to Nepal in the next scheduled flight of Dubai to Kathmandu. The aircraft was supposed to return Nepal in 23rd of April 4 days ago. However, a parking brakes issue was identified while aircraft was about to taxi in for the runway in Israel.
The aircraft got then stuck again in Israel for a uncertain time that had already spent a period of 5 months in Israel already. 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 151 days since the aircraft was grounded on Monday. Similarly, it has been 108 days since the aircraft was sent to Israel. Preparations are underway for the NAC to operate regular flights from Sunday onwards after the arrival of the aircraft.
