Nepal Faced Its First Hijacking in 1973

• 1973: Royal Nepal Airlines flight hijacked, Nepal's first. Passengers:15
• Flight originated in Biratnagar, destination Kathmandu.
• Incident exposed vulnerabilities, reshaped Nepal's air travel safety.

In 1973, a Royal Nepal Airlines flight became the focal point of Nepal's first-ever plane hijacking. This article looks back at the event, tracing its origins and the immediate impact on the passengers and the nation as a whole. Read on to uncover the details and implications of this historic event.

The Hijacking Begins

The year 1973 marked a significant and unsettling event in Nepal's aviation history: the nation's first airplane hijacking. This incident involved a Royal Nepal Airlines flight, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events. The aircraft took off from Biratnagar, a city in eastern Nepal, with the intended destination being Kathmandu, the capital city. On board were a total of 15 passengers, all of whom were immediately thrust into a harrowing ordeal. This hijacking stands out as a pivotal moment, etching itself into the country's memory as an unprecedented challenge to the aviation system and a test of resilience for those involved. The unfolding of this incident exposed vulnerabilities and initiated changes within the context of Nepal's air travel policies, thereby serving as a harsh lesson that shaped subsequent safety measures and security protocols.