Open-air jet repair exposes Kathmandu airport’s limitations


A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 undergoing repairs outside a hangar at Tribhuvan International Airport. The plane has been grounded since July 11 after its left engine developed problems. - A still from a video via The Kathmandu Post/ANN

KATHMANDU: In a rare and rather dramatic sight for many at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the open-air engine replacement of a wide-body aircraft of Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific is captivating aviation enthusiasts, airport workers and travelers alike.

For nearly two weeks, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 bearing the call sign “Bravo-Lima Bravo Hotel” has been grounded at the TIA. Work of detaching its left engine has been completed in front of Nepal Airlines’ maintenance hangar. The massive engine, weighing about 12 tonnes, had to be replaced after an unexpected malfunction during a routine departure to Hong Kong.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Dec 27, 2025)
Police in India's capital arrest hundreds in security crackdown before before the New Year festivities
Suspected explosives found on Nilai bomb maker at time of arrest
A 40-year-old woman charged over 15kg methamphetamine seizure at Sydney Airport
The Philippines is ready to shape the future of regular tourism as the Asean chairmanship duty nears
Sunday polls bring hopes to Myanmar, junta says on election eve
Year-end clampdown on crime in Singapore sees over 1,700 people investigated, more than 500 arrested
Thailand's worst incident - The SAO building collapse: causes, accountability and the impact of 2025’s defining tragedy
Indonesian rescuers search for Spanish family after boat sinks near Komodo Island
Laos provides US$1.93mil to farmers and boosts sustainable rice and vegetable farming

Others Also Read