KATHMANDU, JULY 24

The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been closed following the crash of a Saurya Airlines plane this morning, affecting dozens of flights. The Saurya Airlines plane, 9N-AME (CRJ 200), crashed while taking off for Pokhara from Kathmandu at around 11:00 AM.

The plane was only carrying technical staff of the airline, with no passengers on board, according to TIA sources.

The shutdown includes all outbound and inbound flights to TIA. Domestic flights have been stopped at various domestic airports, while international flights have been put on hold or diverted to other airports.

The airport will remain closed until the rescue operation is completed, it has been learnt.

Meanwhile, the captain of the plane, 37-year-old Manish Shakya, was rescued from the wreckage and taken to KMC Hospital, Sinamangal, for treatment.