Nepal Airlines Pilot Faces Fourth Suspension Over Latest Infraction

KATHMANDU- Nepal Airlines’ prominent pilot is facing suspension after being caught filming in the cockpit during a scheduled passenger flight from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.

This decision comes in light of repeated safety violations, as both pilots were filming while flying, marking the captain’s fourth breach of protocol.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) suspended the two pilots on November 28, 2025, for violating national aviation regulations that strictly forbid any form of photography or videography while operating an aircraft.

These recurrent infractions have raised significant concerns regarding adherence to safety standards and professional behavior within Nepal Airlines.

Nepal Airlines Pilot’s Fourth Suspension

CAAN officially suspended Captain Vijay Lama and his co-pilot after confirming their involvement in filming activities while the aircraft was in operation.

This action directly contravenes Nepal’s cockpit safety regulations, which have a zero-tolerance policy concerning photography and filming on duty.

At 61, Captain Lama is not just a skilled pilot; he is a recognized personality in the entertainment industry, boasting over 330,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 38,000 Instagram followers.

This latest suspension follows three previous infractions, including an incident with aviation vlogger Sam Chui, who was permitted into the cockpit mid-flight.

In that situation, speculation arose about whether the airline appointed Captain Lama to accommodate the influencer’s filming interests on short notice.

Recent reports suggest concerns about whether these ongoing violations reflect leniency due to his celebrity status or indicate a systemic breakdown in regulatory oversight.

Pattern of Infractions and Questions of Judgment

Captain Vijay Lama’s disciplinary history now includes four notable infractions:

• First and second suspensions: unauthorized photography and filming during commercial flights.
• Third suspension: allowing a vlogger to enter the cockpit while in the air.
• Fourth suspension: filming inside the cockpit while on duty on November 28, 2025.

This recurring issue raises questions about whether the captain’s extensive experience and fame might affect his understanding of acceptable behavior.

Despite accumulating over 25,000 flight hours, many are left wondering if he views himself as above established protocols due to repeated disregard for cockpit restrictions.

While several aviation markets permit limited filming during non-critical flight phases, Nepal imposes stringent regulations throughout all stages of flight.

It remains uncertain if this recent violation occurred during a critical phase or if Nepal’s stance on regulations is simply more stringent compared to other regions.

The ongoing discourse highlights whether regulatory bodies are too harsh with penalties or too lenient towards chronic offenders.

Each incident increases public scrutiny surrounding safety at Nepal Airlines and prompts inquiries into the airline’s oversight practices.

Upholding strict discipline in the cockpit is essential for high safety standards, and recurring violations pose a reputational risk for both the airline and the aviation industry as a whole.

Aviation authorities consistently assert that even minor deviations can impact overall safety protocols.

Conclusion

The prominent captain of Nepal Airlines has received his fourth suspension due to unauthorized filming in the cockpit during active flights.

This series of violations, intertwined with celebrity influence and challenges in regulatory enforcement, continues to provoke debate and highlight the need for improved compliance monitoring at the national airline.