A tumultuous situation has unfolded at Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) as employees stage a protest demanding the removal of Ubaraj Adhikari, the executive chief of the state-owned airline. The agitated workforce barred Adhikari from entering the office premises, citing grave concerns regarding the airline’s operational stability.
Amidst the protest, a banner erected at the office gate explicitly forbade the executive chief from accessing the premises, with employees accusing him of endangering the national flag carrier, which serves as a collective asset for three million Nepali citizens.
Adhikari faces serious allegations of neglecting crucial ground handling operations at Tribhuvan International Airport, a vital resource for NAC. Furthermore, accusations of disregarding regular maintenance on international flight aircraft, making arbitrary staffing decisions, and demoralizing qualified permanent employees have intensified the protest.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s recent decision to open ground handling services—once under NAC’s monopoly—to competitive bidding has added fuel to the employees’ grievances. Highlighting the abandonment of TwinOtter aircraft left unused for years and the mismanagement of Chinese aircraft, the protesting staff listed nine compelling reasons demanding the removal of the executive chef.
The protestors’ concerns underscore the critical challenges affecting the airline’s operations, expressing dissatisfaction with Adhikari’s leadership. This development signifies a pivotal moment for NAC, drawing attention to crucial operational deficiencies that demand urgent resolution.
