KATHMANDU: Nepal Airlines has grounded both its narrow-body aircraft, disrupting flight operations and leaving passengers stranded.

One Airbus A320, call sign ‘9N-AKX,’ was grounded in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night due to a nose gear issue. The aircraft had previously faced similar problems in Malaysia.

Another Airbus A320, ‘9N-AKW,’ remains stuck in Shanghai after completing a scheduled C-check at a China Southern Airlines maintenance facility. The aircraft was sent for maintenance on January 2 and was supposed to return in 10 days. However, Nepal Airlines’ management delayed the process, and despite the maintenance being completed on time, the aircraft remains in China due to unpaid repair costs.

A Nepal Airlines source confirmed that the payment dispute has prevented the aircraft’s release, further disrupting the airline’s flight schedule.