How a Buddha Air Plane Carrying 55 Overshot the Bhadrapur Runway and Was Damaged

January 2, 2026 at 05:56 PM•3 min read

Buddha Air aircraft reportedly overshot the runway at Bhadrapur Airport on Friday night, but all 55 passengers and crew were safely evacuated after the incident.

Key Points

155 passengers and crew were safely evacuated after the Buddha Air runway overrun at Bhadrapur Airport on Friday night.
2The damaged aircraft, likely an ATR 72, came to rest on the grass after overshooting the runway.
3The incident renews scrutiny on the Nepal air safety record, which is currently subject to an EASA ban since 2013.
4CAAN is expected to investigate the incident, focusing on operational factors and runway conditions.

A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided in Nepal on Friday night.

A Buddha Air aircraft reportedly overshot the runway while landing. The Buddha Air runway overrun occurred at Bhadrapur Airport (Chandragadhi Airport) in the country’s eastern region. The flight was carrying 55 passengers and crew members. All individuals were evacuated safely with no reported injuries. Video and images circulating on social media show the damaged aircraft resting in the grass beyond the runway end.

Incident Details and Investigation

Initial reports suggest the aircraft, likely an ATR 72 aircraft, failed to stop on the paved surface. The plane came to rest on the soft ground. The extent of the damage to the airframe is not yet clear. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is expected to launch a full investigation. This probe will determine the exact cause of the Nepal aviation incident.

Investigators will review factors including weather, runway conditions, and pilot inputs. Bhadrapur Airport is located in the plains of Nepal. However, night operations present unique challenges. The incident highlights the need for continuous safety vigilance.

Context of Nepal Air Safety Record

This latest event brings renewed focus on the Nepal air safety record. Flying in Nepal is inherently challenging due to its mountainous terrain. The country's unpredictable weather patterns also contribute to operational risk. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has faced international scrutiny for years. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has banned all Nepalese airlines from its airspace since 2013. This is due to persistent safety concerns and oversight issues.

Regulatory Challenges

International bodies have urged Nepal to implement key reforms. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called for changes. A primary concern is the dual role of CAAN. CAAN acts as both the regulator and the service provider. This structure creates a fundamental conflict of interest. The government has recently tabled new Bills to address this issue. These Bills propose splitting CAAN into two distinct entities. This action is seen as crucial for improving the Bhadrapur Airport safety standards. It is also necessary to meet international benchmarks.

Runway excursion investigation is a critical process. Lessons learned must be applied across the entire domestic fleet. The safe evacuation of all 55 people is a positive outcome. Yet, the frequency of such events remains a concern for the industry. Stakeholders must commit to sustained safety improvements. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.