
File Photo
File Photo
Kathmandu,Nepal: In an innovative approach to passenger misconduct, Buddha Air has transformed recent safety violations into community service by channeling penalty fees to local charities in Nepal.
The airline collected NPR 100,000 (approximately $750) each from two passengers who separately triggered emergency exit incidents on different flights. Rather than keeping the penalties, the airline donated the entire amount to charitable organizations - splitting the funds between Mahaganga Aarti-Gangasagar in Janakpurdam and an elderly care home in Pokhara.
The incidents, which occurred on January 1, 2024, and October 10, 2023, caused significant disruptions to flight schedules. The January incident on a Pokhara-Kathmandu flight resulted in a three-hour delay, while the October incident forced a flight diversion to Biratnagar due to poor weather conditions in Janakpur, leading to extensive schedule disruptions.
"These incidents serve as crucial reminders about flight safety protocols," a Buddha Air spokesperson said. "However, we believed the penalties could serve a dual purpose - deterring unsafe behavior while benefiting our communities."
The airline emphasized that unauthorized operation of emergency exits can result in severe consequences under Nepal's Civil Aviation Act 2015, including imprisonment ranging from one to three years, or even life sentences in severe cases. Despite these serious implications, Buddha Air opted for financial penalties with a charitable twist.
The company maintains its policy of providing comprehensive pre-flight safety briefings and warns that future violators may face additional flight restrictions besides penalties. This innovative approach to handling safety violations could set a new precedent in aviation industry practices, balancing punishment with social responsibility.
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