A Buddha Air ATR-72 aircraft experienced a runway excursion while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal on January 2, 2026. The flight, which had departed from Kathmandu, veered off the paved runway after touchdown and came to a halt on the grassy area beside the airstrip. The incident occurred during evening operations at the regional airport, drawing immediate attention from airport authorities and emergency services.
Officials confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board the aircraft were safe and unharmed. Emergency response teams and airport staff acted swiftly to secure the area and ensure an orderly evacuation. Passengers were guided off the aircraft calmly, and medical checks were carried out as a precaution, with no injuries reported.
Preliminary assessments indicate that runway conditions may have played a role in the aircraft skidding off the surface. Factors such as moisture on the runway or reduced braking efficiency are being considered as part of the initial review. Aviation authorities have begun a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause and to assess whether operational or environmental elements contributed to the incident.
The aircraft sustained visible damage after leaving the runway, though the full extent of the impact on its structure and systems is yet to be confirmed. As a result, the plane has been grounded at Bhadrapur Airport pending inspections and necessary technical evaluations. Some scheduled flights were affected as the airline worked to manage disruptions and assist passengers with alternate arrangements.
Passengers described the experience as alarming at first but said they were reassured by the professional response of the flight crew and ground staff. Many noted that clear instructions and quick action helped prevent panic and ensured everyone’s safety during the evacuation process.
Incidents involving runway excursions, while rare, are a known challenge at regional airports, particularly those with shorter runways and variable weather conditions. Aviation experts often point out that such environments demand heightened caution during landing and rollout phases, even for experienced crews flying modern turboprop aircraft.
Airport authorities are expected to review runway safety measures, including surface maintenance and drainage systems, to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future. Enhancing runway friction and monitoring weather-related factors are commonly recommended steps following such events.
Civil aviation regulators and Buddha Air management are likely to release detailed findings once the investigation is complete. For now, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and restoring normal flight operations, with relief prevailing that the incident concluded without any loss of life or injuries.
