Nepal: Passenger plane crashes near Pokhara Airport and Pokhara International Airport during landing Jan. 15 /update 1

Event

A Yeti Airlines (YT) passenger flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Pokhara Airport (PKR) has crashed near Pokhara International Airport during landing at around 11:00 Jan. 15. Local accounts say the aircraft crashed in an area between the domestic airport and the new international airport during approach. Reports indicate that at least 68 passengers and four crew members were on board the aircraft. Emergency crews have recovered at least 16 bodies; the official death toll will probably rise in the coming hours as rescue operations continue. The cause of the crash is not immediately clear.

Heightened security and localized ground transport disruptions are likely in the area as emergency operations continue. Officials have closed PKR due to the incident.

Advice

Avoid the affected area until the situation stabilizes and authorities give the all-clear. Reconfirm flights at Pokhara airports.