Kathmandu Airport Goes On a Brief Pause After Malaysian Jet Goes Off‑Course
What Went Down?
On a typical Thursday night, a Malindo Airlines Boeing 737 with 139 folks on board was gearing up to fly to Kuala Lumpur. The plane was speeding down the runway when suddenly the pilots hit the brakes and called it quits. A short skid took the jet onto the grass, and it ultimately came to a halt in a patch of mud roughly 30 meters from the runway edge.
Everyone Lives to Tell the Story
- No one was harmed in the incident – there were no bruises, no broken dreams, and no emergency medical kits going to work.
- Incoming flights to Nepal’s capital were diverted, giving airport staff a chance to rescue the stuck plane.
- The entire cha‑cha of the Malindo aircraft was successfully moved out of the muddy spot.
Why Did the Aircraft Stall?
Airport spokesman Prem Nath Thakur said they did not yet know why the plane lost momentum. The investigation has kicked off, but until the details are clear, passengers are left wondering whether a sudden gust of wind or a spontaneous pavement prank caused the hiccup.
How Long Will Tribhuvan Be Out of Action?
Meteorologists predict cloudy skies, but airport officials haven’t nailed a reopening date yet. The jet’s mishap has effectively closed Nepal’s sole international gateway, causing travellers to scramble for alternate routes.
Quick Timeline of Past Runway Ruck‑Ups
- May 2018 – The just‑happened take‑off abort that we’re discussing now.
- March 2018 – A US‑Bangla Airways plane crashed, costing 51 lives.
- March 2015 – A Turkish Airlines aircraft slipped off the runway while landing, forcing the airport to shut down for four days.
Why Kathmandu’s Runways Are the Frontier of Flying Drama
The Himalayas host some of the world’s most remote runways. With towering peaks brushing against the sky, every approach feels like a tightrope walk. The combination of steep grades, sudden wind shifts, and sudden snow‑caps makes you wonder if the runway itself is playing a prank on pilots.
Bottom Line
Even though the incident was a none‑fatal “slip‑andi” affair, it highlighted yet another pitfall in Nepal’s aviation saga. With airlines banned from the European Union and a lingering track record of mishaps, Nepal’s skies continue to unfold a dramatic drama where every landing and take‑off invites a little adrenaline.
