In a tragic incident at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a Saurya Airlines aircraft suffered a serious accident, raising concerns about the operational decisions influenced by financial pressures. The aircraft, which could have been serviced at TIA where hangar space was available, was instead sent to Pokhara International Airport (PIA), allegedly to generate revenue for the newer airport.

The incident has sparked a debate about the priorities in managing the country's aviation infrastructure, with some suggesting that the pressure to generate income at PIA, possibly linked to repayment obligations of Chinese debt, may have contributed to the decision to service the aircraft there instead of at TIA. Sharbendra Nath Shukla, a member of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, voiced concerns over this matter. He stated, "If the aircraft had been serviced at TIA, the accident might have been avoided."

Shukla emphasized that the push for revenue generation at PIA, despite the availability of facilities at TIA, points to broader financial pressures that may be impacting decision-making within Nepal's aviation sector. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for prioritizing safety over financial considerations in the aviation industry.