Nepal Airlines' senior captain, Vijay Lama, has been suspended for the fourth time by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) following an incident where he was caught filming inside the flight deck during an active flight. The suspension underscores ongoing concerns regarding safety and enforcement of aviation regulations at the national carrier.
On November 28, 2025, authorities grounded two Nepal Airlines pilots after they were found to have engaged in photography and video recording during a flight—a clear breach of established regulations. Captain Lama, a well-known media personality and actor, has previously been disciplined for similar violations, including inviting aviation vlogger Sam Chui into the cockpit during a flight. Despite his significant experience, with more than 25,000 flight hours, questions remain about his judgment and adherence to protocol. Experts warn that such actions, especially during critical flight phases, can compromise safety, and the repeated suspensions highlight inconsistencies in regulatory enforcement.
This incident also brings to light broader issues regarding Nepal's airline safety practices and regulatory oversight. The stern response from authorities indicates a push for increased accountability, though some critics argue that uneven disciplinary actions may weaken safety commitments.
As Nepal Airlines continues to rebuild its image, the focus remains on strengthening safety standards and ensuring strict compliance with regulations to protect passengers and crew alike.
