The chief of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district, Ashok Thapa, has been suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). This action was taken because he allowed a quarreling pilot to take a flight. Gyanendra Bhul, CAAN’s Information Officer, clarified that Thapa’s suspension is not solely due to granting flight clearance but also involves security concerns arising from the pilot altercation.
Bhul stated, “Thapa’s suspension is linked to questions about his decision to authorize pilot Sanjeev Shrestha for a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla, especially given the conflict that occurred, which also raises security issues.”
Thapa’s suspension is in effect until further notice, and CAAN has initiated an investigation into the pilot fight that happened at Ramechhap Airport on a Friday morning. The altercation involved Tara Air’s Senior Captain, Sanjeev Shrestha, and Captain Santosh Shah. As a result, both pilots’ licenses were temporarily suspended by the air traffic control to prevent them from flying. Further actions, including the potential revocation of their licenses, may be taken by CAAN after the investigation concludes.
Also Read: “Airborne Altercation: Tara Air Pilots Clash at Manthali Airport”
