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Saurya Airlines
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Saurya Airlines Pvt. Ltd (Nepali: सौर्य एयरलाईन्स) is an airline based in Kathmandu, Nepal. As of August 2017, the airline served five destinations across three provinces of Nepal from its hub at Tribhuvan International Airport, operating a small fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft. Saurya Airlines was the first airline to operate the Canadair Regional Jet in Nepal, also becoming the second airline in Nepal after Cosmic Air to operate a jet engine aircraft on the domestic routes.
Key Information
History
[edit]Saurya Airlines bought its first aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200, on 18 August 2014 and commenced its first operation on 17 November 2014 by conducting a mountain flight and a round trip to Biratnagar Airport from Kathmandu Airport after it was forced to keep its new plane grounded for nearly three months due to lengthy paperwork.[4] The company later added a daily service to Bhadrapur making it its second southeastern destination. On 22 June 2015, Saurya Airlines launched flights to Nepalgunj which is now discontinued.
At the beginning of 2016, Saurya Airlines was constrained to operate charter flights as per the regulations of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal after the company failed to meet the minimum required number of aircraft needed to operate as a scheduled passenger carrier.[5] However, the company managed to provide the service to the passengers by operating scheduled charter flights. In 2016, Saurya Airlines served 90,205 passengers with the growth rate of 3.76 percent from the previous year.[6]
In March 2017, Saurya Airlines added a second CRJ-200 to its fleet, and regained the certificate to operate scheduled flights again. This aircraft (registered 9N-AME) was painted with a "Tata Tiago livery" as per the agreement with Sipradi Trading, making the airline the first Nepalese fixed-wing aircraft company to wear the international trademark on aircraft livery.[7]
In 2018, the airline was grounded by Tribhuvan International Airport, as it owed 30 million Nepali rupees in service charges to the airport.[8] In March 2019, the airline cleared its dues and restarted its flight operations.[9]
Also in 2018, the airline was sold to a group of Non Resident Nepalis for 320 million Nepali rupees.[10] However, in 2019, the ownership changed again, when the Indian Kuber Group acquired the airline for 630 million Nepali rupees.[11] In July 2021, some reports indicated that the airline would rebrand itself as Kuber Airlines.[12]
On 24 July 2024, 18 of the company's employees – including much of its senior management – were killed in a crash at Kathmandu. The following day, the airline suspended all flights due to the lack of aircraft and skilled personnel,[13] and its certification to operate was subsequently suspended.[14]
Destinations
[edit]Saurya Airlines served these destinations as of January 2023:
| City | Airport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bhadrapur | Chandragadhi Airport | — |
| Biratnagar | Biratnagar Airport | — |
| Dhangadhi | Dhangadhi Airport | Terminated |
| Kathmandu | Tribhuvan International Airport | Hub |
| Nepalgunj | Nepalgunj Airport | Terminated |
| Pokhara | Pokhara Airport | Terminated |
| Pokhara International Airport | Terminated | |
| Siddharthanagar | Gautam Buddha Airport | Terminated |
Fleet
[edit]
As of August 2025[update], Saurya Airlines operates the following aircraft:[15]
| Aircraft | In fleet | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | ||||
| Bombardier CRJ200LR/ER | 2[16] | 0 | 50 | |
| ATR 72-600 | 0 | 3 | [17][18] | |
| Total | 2 |
Accidents and incidents
[edit]- 24 July 2024 – a Saurya Airlines CRJ200 (9N-AME) aircraft carrying 19 people on a special flight to a maintenance facility, crashed during takeoff in Kathmandu, killing all of those aboard except the captain.[19][18]
References
[edit]- ^ "Civil Aviation Report 2017" (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
- ^ "SAURYA SAARATHI". Saurya Airlines. Archived from the original on 17 December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
- ^ "Chairman's Message". Saurya Airlines. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ "Saurya adds another CRJ-200 to its fleet". The Kathmandu Post. 13 March 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ "Nepal's Saurya Airlines downgraded to charter operator". ch aviation. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ "2016; Prosperous year for Domestic airlines in Nepal". Aviation Nepal. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ "Saurya Airlines becomes the first Fixed wing Company to nab the international trademark on its livery". Aviation Nepal. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ "Saurya Airlines all Flights cancelled". Aviation Nepal. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
- ^ "Nepal's Saurya Airlines back in the air". HMG Aerospace. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
- ^ "Saurya airlines transfers ownership in 320 million". Tourismmail. 12 August 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
- ^ "Kuber Group acquires 100% stake in Saurya Airlines". Centre for Aviation. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
- ^ Sharma, Pankaj (15 July 2021). "Saurya Airlines will rebrand as Kuber Airlines". Aviation Nepal. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ Curran, Andrew (28 July 2024). "Nepal's Saurya Airlines suspends flights after fatal crash". ch-aviation.
- ^ Curran, Andrew (9 January 2025). "Nepal's Saurya Airlines hopeful about AOC reissue". ch-aviation.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2025 - Saurya Airlines". Airliner World. September 2025. p. 69.
- ^ "Bombardier CRJ 200". Retrieved 23 August 2025.
- ^ "Saurya Airlines". www.sauryaairlines.com.
20/08/2020: Saurya Airlines added third aircraft (9N-ANM) to its fleet
- ^ a b "ASN". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
- ^ "Saurya Plane Crash". Hindusthan Times. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saurya Airlines.
Saurya Airlines
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Saurya Airlines is a private Nepalese airline headquartered in Kathmandu that commenced operations on 17 November 2014, providing domestic scheduled passenger and charter services primarily using Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets.[1][2] It was established as the first carrier in Nepal to introduce the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) aircraft type, marking a milestone in the country's aviation sector with its fleet of twin-engine jets designed for short-haul routes.[3] The airline operates from Tribhuvan International Airport to approximately five domestic destinations, including Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Bhadrapur (Chandragadi), serving key tourist and business hubs in Nepal.[4][5]
As of October 2025, Saurya Airlines maintains a reduced fleet of one active Bombardier CRJ-200, with an average aircraft age of 20.2 years, following historical operations with up to three such jets acquired between 2014 and 2017.[6] The carrier has encountered significant operational challenges, including financial difficulties that led to fleet groundings in 2018 due to unpaid debts and staff layoffs in May 2023 amid ongoing economic pressures.[4]
A pivotal event in the airline's history occurred on 24 July 2024, when one of its CRJ-200 aircraft (registration 9N-AME, manufactured in 2003) crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu en route to Pokhara for maintenance, resulting in 18 fatalities out of 19 people on board and highlighting longstanding safety and regulatory concerns in Nepal's aviation industry. Operations were suspended following the accident but resumed later in 2025.[4][7][8] An official investigation later attributed the accident to an incorrect speed reference card causing a deep stall at suboptimal rotation speed, compounded by issues such as unsafe cargo loading and non-compliance with weight-and-balance procedures.[9][10] Despite these setbacks, Saurya Airlines continues to contribute to Nepal's domestic connectivity, focusing on regional routes that support tourism and economic access in the Himalayan nation.[6]
As of late 2023, the historical fleet consisted solely of these three regional jets, with one aircraft remaining operational post-2024.[6]
History
Founding and Early Operations
Saurya Airlines was established in August 2014 as Nepal's first private airline to introduce jet aircraft on domestic routes.[11] The company acquired its inaugural aircraft, a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet with manufacturer serial number 7493 and Nepalese registration 9N-ALE, on 18 August 2014 from Spain's Air Nostrum.[12][11] This acquisition marked a significant step in modernizing Nepal's aviation sector, which had previously relied primarily on turboprop aircraft for internal connectivity.[13] Following the aircraft's arrival, the airline faced an initial delay in commencing services, as the CRJ-200 remained grounded for nearly three months while awaiting regulatory approval.[14] On 14 November 2014, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) issued Saurya Airlines its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC No. 083/2014), enabling full operations.[13] The airline launched its inaugural flights on 17 November 2014, beginning with a sightseeing mountain flight from Kathmandu and a round-trip service to Biratnagar, thereby pioneering jet-powered short-haul travel within the country.[11] In its early phase, Saurya Airlines operated from a hub at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, emphasizing domestic connectivity to eastern and western Nepal amid competition from established carriers like Nepal Airlines and Buddha Air.[13] By early 2015, it expanded to daily services to key destinations, including Bhadrapur (Chandragadhi Airport) starting 30 January 2015 and Nepalgunj (Ranjha Airport) from 22 June 2015, focusing on efficient short-haul routes to support regional tourism and commerce.[11] These operations helped the airline serve approximately 87,000 passengers in 2015, reflecting modest growth in its debut year despite the competitive landscape.[11]Expansion and Ownership Changes
In March 2017, Saurya Airlines expanded its fleet by adding a second Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft, registered as 9N-AME, which landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on March 12 and conducted its first flight on April 20.[11] This addition enabled the resumption of scheduled passenger services and supported new route launches, including daily flights to [Gautam Buddha Airport](/page/Gautam Buddha Airport) in Bhairahawa starting April 15, 2017, and services to Geta Airport in Dhangadhi from September 1, 2017.[11] The airline's operations peaked with further growth, as a third CRJ-200, registered 9N-ANM, joined the fleet on August 20, 2020, allowing for enhanced domestic connectivity.[11][15] Passenger traffic reflected this expansion, with Saurya Airlines serving 90,205 passengers in 2016, marking a 3.76% increase from the prior year.[11] By 2019, the carrier had carried 78,387 passengers, primarily on domestic routes, amid competitive pressures in Nepal's aviation market that led to varied growth rates among local operators.[16] However, financial challenges disrupted operations; on July 7, 2018, the airline suspended all flights due to liquidity issues and remained grounded for over a month before resuming limited charter services.[17] A second grounding occurred in December 2018 when Tribhuvan International Airport halted services over unpaid fees totaling approximately USD 355,000, lasting more than four months until clearance in early 2019.[18][19] Ownership changes accompanied these struggles, culminating in a 2019 acquisition by India's Kuber Group for NPR 630 million (about USD 5.6 million), under which the group took a 49% stake while Nepali investors retained 51%.[18][20] This partnership facilitated the airline's resumption of scheduled flights on March 8, 2019, after debt settlement with airport authorities.[18] In July 2021, following the acquisition, Saurya Airlines announced plans to rebrand as Kuber Airlines, including ambitions for international routes, though these initiatives were not implemented.[21][2] The airline's revenue primarily derived from domestic ticket sales and ancillary services such as baggage fees and onboard offerings, with annual income estimated below USD 5 million during this period.[22] Operations centered on Kathmandu as the main hub, with secondary bases at airports like Bhairahawa and Dhangadhi to serve Nepal's domestic network.[11] By late 2021, route expansions continued, including a new sector linking Bhairahawa to Bharatpur and back starting November 8, underscoring efforts to stabilize and grow amid ongoing financial pressures.[11]2024 Crash and Suspension
On July 24, 2024, a Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200ER (registration 9N-AME) crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 02 at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, while en route to Pokhara for scheduled maintenance.[7] The flight was a non-revenue ferry carrying 19 people, including two pilots and 17 technical staff.[10] The accident resulted in 18 fatalities, with only the captain, Manish Ratna Shakya, surviving after being rescued from the wreckage; the aircraft veered right, stalled, and impacted terrain adjacent to the runway, erupting in flames.[10] In response, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) immediately suspended all Saurya Airlines operations on July 25, 2024, citing safety concerns, and subsequently revoked the airline's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) due to safety concerns following the accident.[23] Early investigations by Nepal's Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission (AAIC) pointed to preliminary issues with takeoff performance, including rotation at sub-optimal airspeed and potential weight-and-balance discrepancies exacerbated by unsecured cargo.[7] Saurya Airlines issued a public apology to the victims' families and pledged full cooperation with the probe, suspending flights voluntarily in the interim to facilitate the inquiry.[23] As of early 2025, Saurya Airlines initiated recovery by applying for AOC renewal in January, expressing optimism for approval and outlining plans to lease three ATR 72-600 aircraft from a U.S. lessor to rebuild its fleet and resume domestic operations.[24] Following the renewal of its AOC, Saurya Airlines resumed limited domestic operations by late 2025 using its remaining CRJ-200 aircraft (9N-ANM), while pursuing fleet expansion plans including the leasing of three ATR 72-600s.[6][25] The grounding inflicted significant economic strain, compounding pre-existing financial challenges; Saurya lost substantial market share in Nepal's domestic sector to competitors like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines amid fierce rivalry, with estimated losses from halted revenue exceeding millions of dollars over the suspension period.[26][19]Operations
Destinations
Saurya Airlines is based at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, serving as its primary hub for all domestic operations.[23] Prior to the suspension of services in July 2024, the airline's active destinations as of January 2023 included Bhadrapur via Chandragadhi Airport and Biratnagar via Biratnagar Airport, both in eastern Nepal.[27] These routes emphasized connectivity to the eastern regions, supporting tourism to nearby attractions like Ilam tea gardens and business travel in industrial hubs such as Biratnagar.[28] The airline had previously operated services to several other domestic locations that were later terminated due to low passenger demand and intense competition from larger carriers like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines. Terminated routes included Dhangadhi (Dhangadhi Airport), Nepalgunj (Nepalgunj Airport, launched in June 2015), Pokhara (Pokhara International Airport), and Siddharthanagar (Gautam Buddha International Airport, also known as Bhairahawa).[18][17] All of Saurya Airlines' routes were short-haul domestic flights, typically lasting 30 to 90 minutes, with the CRJ-200 aircraft commonly used for these sectors. Pre-suspension frequencies varied, but included multiple daily flights to key destinations like Biratnagar, often with departures in the morning and afternoon to accommodate business commuters.[29][30] Following the July 2024 crash and subsequent suspension of its Air Operator's Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Saurya Airlines has had no active routes as of November 2025. The airline has expressed intentions to resume operations in December 2025, targeting a return to its original hub-and-spoke model focused on eastern Nepal destinations upon reissuance of its certificate and acquisition of leased ATR 72-600 aircraft.[31][24][32]Services and Business Model
Saurya Airlines operates exclusively as a scheduled domestic passenger carrier in Nepal, offering flights between key domestic destinations without any international routes.[11] The airline's primary services include reliable and efficient air transportation, with features like online booking, flight status updates, and special assistance for passengers with disabilities, such as wheelchair provision and priority boarding.[11][5] Adopting a low-cost carrier approach, Saurya Airlines emphasizes affordability and operational efficiency to serve Nepal's competitive domestic market, aiming to secure a significant share of trunk routes.[16][11] Its business model relies on economy-only seating configurations, such as the 50-passenger setup in the Bombardier CRJ-200 with two-plus-two abreast layout, focusing on cost minimization rather than premium amenities.[33] Revenue streams are dominated by ticket sales across fare classes like Normal, Oscar, and non-refundable options, with ancillary income from fees for baggage excess, cancellations (ranging from 10% to 100% of fare), rescheduling (NPR 500 or equivalent), and name changes (NPR 1,000 per passenger).[34] Baggage policies limit free allowances to 15 kg inbound to Kathmandu and 20 kg outbound, implying charges for overweight items to support revenue diversification.[34] Additional passenger perks include child discounts (33% off Normal fares for ages 2-12) and infant fares (10% of Normal), enhancing accessibility for families.[34] The airline targets leisure travelers, business commuters, and families in Nepal's remote and popular regions, prioritizing economical access over luxury to meet the needs of domestic commuters.[11] Post the 2024 crash that led to operational suspension, Saurya Airlines has shifted toward recovery with plans for cargo-inclusive but primarily passenger-focused resumption in 2025, leasing three ATR 72-600 aircraft at an investment of NPR 1.5 billion.[35]Fleet
Current and Planned Fleet
As of November 2025, Saurya Airlines maintains a single operational aircraft in its fleet: a Bombardier CRJ-200LR/ER regional jet with registration 9N-ALE, configured in an all-economy layout accommodating 50 passengers.[6][14] This aircraft, acquired through an international lessor, has an age of approximately 20.2 years, reflecting the airline's reliance on older regional jets for domestic operations.[6] Following the July 2024 crash of its second CRJ-200 (9N-AME) during a ferry flight to Pokhara for scheduled maintenance, the remaining aircraft has been grounded due to the suspension of the airline's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) by Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority.[31][10] The CRJ-200 fleet was originally sourced from foreign lessors to enable efficient short-haul service in Nepal's challenging mountainous terrain, with both aircraft undergoing periodic maintenance to comply with airworthiness requirements prior to the suspension.[33] However, the grounding has halted all flights, leaving the sole aircraft in storage pending AOC reinstatement, which airline officials expressed optimism about in early 2025 but remains unresolved as of late 2025.[31] Looking ahead, Saurya Airlines announced plans in May 2025 to lease three ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft from a U.S.-based aviation company, investing approximately NPR 1.5 billion to support a restart of regional services.[24] These aircraft, also planned in all-economy configurations suitable for Nepal's rugged landscapes and short runways, emphasize cost-effective operations for domestic routes but have not yet been delivered as of November 2025.[25] The shift to turboprops aligns with the airline's strategy to address terrain-specific challenges while awaiting regulatory approval to resume flying.[24]| Aircraft Type | In Service | Registration | Configuration | Age (Years) | Status | Source Acquisition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombardier CRJ-200LR/ER | 1 | 9N-ALE | 50 all-economy | 20.2 | Grounded (AOC suspension) | International lessor |
| ATR 72-600 | 0 | N/A | All-economy (planned) | N/A | Lease announced, no delivery | U.S. lessor |
Historical Fleet
Saurya Airlines commenced operations with the acquisition of its first aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200ER registered as 9N-ALE (msn 7493), which was delivered on August 18, 2014, marking the introduction of regional jet service in Nepal.[12] This ex-Air Nostrum jet was configured in an all-economy layout accommodating 50 passengers and primarily served domestic routes. The airline expanded its fleet in March 2017 by adding a second CRJ-200ER, registered 9N-AME (msn 7772), also in a 50-seat configuration for domestic operations.[14] This acquisition supported increased frequency on key routes within Nepal.[36] By August 2020, Saurya had incorporated a third CRJ-200, registered 9N-ANM (msn 8050, ex-JA207J), maintaining the uniform 50-seat setup across all aircraft.[15] The 9N-ANM has been stored since at least mid-2024 and is not operational as of November 2025. Throughout this period from 2014 to 2023, no aircraft were retired from the fleet, with all three CRJ-200s remaining active for domestic services despite occasional storage for maintenance. In August 2023, the airline placed an order for three ATR 72-600 turboprops to modernize its operations, though deliveries were pending as of the end of 2023.[37] Maintenance for the fleet was conducted at facilities in Nepal, including routine checks at Pokhara International Airport.[38]| Aircraft Type | Registration | MSN | Acquisition Date | Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRJ-200ER | 9N-ALE | 7493 | August 2014 | 50 seats | First aircraft; ex-Air Nostrum |
| CRJ-200ER | 9N-AME | 7772 | March 2017 | 50 seats | Domestic operations; crashed July 2024 |
| CRJ-200 | 9N-ANM | 8050 | August 2020 | 50 seats | Ex-Japan Airlines; stored since mid-2024 |