Technical fault grounds Nepal Airlines widebody in Japan, threatens Doha flights

An engine fault forced Nepal Airlines to keep its only active widebody jet at Narita Airport after a damaged blade was identified on the aircraft’s No. 2 engine, stranding 226 passengers who had been due to land in Kathmandu. The plane had arrived from Kathmandu the previous night, and the airline now faces the prospect of cancelling a Monday night flight to Doha and the following morning’s return service, each scheduled for 269 passengers.

Technical spokesperson Devendra Pun said the airline is exploring options to obtain a replacement blade locally from Thai Airways or to ship one from Nepal. Meanwhile, a second widebody remains in Italy for extended repairs after earlier engine-C-duct problems, leaving Nepal Airlines with only one widebody available for its international routes. The airline’s fleet of four aircraft is thus under severe strain, raising the risk of further schedule disruptions for travelers.