Nepal Airlines' Most Famous Pilot Suspended for the Fourth Time Amid New Violation
Kathmandu - Nepal Airlines' most famous pilot faces suspension following a new cockpit filming violation during a scheduled passenger service operating from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) grounded both pilots on Friday, November 28, 2025, citing a breach of national aviation regulations that prohibit "photo/videography while operating the aircraft."
Captain Vijay Lama, a 61-year-old celebrity pilot known for his acting, singing, and television presence, has been suspended for the fourth time. This latest suspension follows three earlier violations of operational protocol, including an incident involving aviation vlogger Sam Chui, who was invited into the cockpit during flight.
The pattern of infractions has sparked a debate on whether the captain's experience and fame may be influencing his perception of acceptable conduct. With more than 25,000 flight hours, he is widely regarded as technically capable, yet his repeated disregard for cockpit restrictions has led some aviation observers to question whether he considers himself exempt from standard procedures.
The repeated safety violations have intensified scrutiny of compliance standards and professional conduct at the national carrier. Nepal's strict regulations impose prohibitions throughout all flight phases, and it is unclear whether the latest violation occurred during a critical stage or whether Nepal's regulatory stance is simply more restrictive than other jurisdictions.
The captain's disciplinary record now spans four separate violations, including unauthorized photography and filming during commercial flights, inviting a vlogger into the cockpit while airborne, and filming inside the flight deck during active duty on November 28, 2025.
The growing discussion questions whether the captain's experience and fame may be influencing his perception of acceptable conduct. Aviation authorities emphasize that even minor procedural deviations can affect overall safety frameworks, and recurring misconduct creates reputational risk for both the airline and the aviation sector.
The controversy surrounding Captain Lama's suspension continues to fuel calls for stronger compliance monitoring across the national carrier. Stay tuned for further updates and follow us on social media for the latest news.
