Nepal Airlines Managing Director Applicants Shortlisted
19th January 2026, Kathmandu
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the national flag carrier of Nepal, has officially published the shortlist of applicants for the position of Managing Director, marking a pivotal step in the selection of a permanent leader for the state-owned airline. The announcement, made on Magh 4, 2082 (January 18, 2026), comes at a time when the corporation is under intense pressure to reform its operations and manage a staggering debt of approximately Rs 50 billion.
Nepal Airlines Managing Director
Following a public notice issued on Kartik 27, 2082, a total of 16 candidates submitted their applications. After a rigorous evaluation of educational qualifications and professional experience as per Section 5 of the selection procedure, the committee shortlisted 10 individuals to move forward to the presentation and interview phase.
List of Shortlisted Candidates
The shortlisted candidates represent a mix of seasoned aviation professionals, senior pilots from within the corporation, and experienced managers from various sectors. The list includes:
- Upendra Bahadur Karki (Morang)
- Tankanidhi Dahal (Jhapa) – Senior NAC Pilot
- Dr. Deepak Prasad Bastola (Kaski)
- Deepraj Jwarchan (Kathmandu) – Senior NAC Pilot
- Dr. Bhim Bahadur Chand (Baitadi)
- Yograj Kandel Sharma (Gulmi)
- Bishnu Babu Mishra (Lamjung)
- Bed Prasad Upreti (Dadeldhura)
- Sanjay Kumar Singh (Siraha)
- Santushta Kumar Basnet (Solukhumbu)
The inclusion of senior internal pilots like Deepu Jwarchan and Tankanidhi Dahal highlights a potential focus on operational expertise, while the presence of candidates with doctoral degrees and diverse managerial backgrounds suggests an emphasis on multidisciplinary leadership.
Next Phase: Professional Presentations and Interviews
The selection committee, led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hari Prasad Mainali, has scheduled the next phase of recruitment to begin on Magh 14, 2082 (January 27, 2026). The sessions will be held at the Ministry’s office in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu.
During this phase, each candidate must present a comprehensive “Professional Work Plan” aimed at revitalizing the national carrier. The evaluation will focus on several critical pillars:
Financial Recovery: Strategies to address the massive debt-to-equity crisis.
Fleet Expansion: Plans for the procurement of STOL aircraft for domestic routes and narrow-body/wide-body jets for international expansion.
Operational Discipline: Reducing flight cancellations and improving service reliability.
Advertisement
Corporate Governance: Implementing transparent management practices and reducing political interference.
A Departure from Political Appointments
This selection process is significant because it represents a shift toward merit-based, open competition. Historically, the leadership of Nepal Airlines has been subject to political appointments, which critics argue led to instability and mismanagement. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, currently overseeing the Ministry of Tourism, has pushed for this transparent approach following the departure of former Executive Chairman Yubaraj Adhikari, whose term ended in late 2024.
Currently, the corporation is being managed by Acting Managing Director Janak Raj Kalakheti, the most senior official at NAC, to ensure operational continuity until the final appointment is made.
Challenges Awaiting the New Managing Director
The individual who eventually secures the four-year term as Managing Director will face a daunting task. Recent reports indicate that NAC’s financial health is “dangerously fragile,” with current assets covering only 60 percent of immediate obligations.
Key challenges include:
Managing Debt: Servicing loans from the Employees Provident Fund and Citizen Investment Trust.
Aircraft Grounding: Resolving the ongoing issues with grounded aircraft and engine lease disputes that have cost the airline billions.
International Standards: Aligning with global aviation safety and service standards to regain competitive edge against private carriers.
Conclusion
The publication of the shortlist for the Nepal Airlines Managing Director position is a major milestone in the quest to professionalize the national flag carrier. As the candidates prepare their presentations for late January, stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors are hopeful that the process will result in a leader capable of steering the airline away from the brink of insolvency toward a sustainable future.
For More: Nepal Airlines Managing Director
