Helicopter Carrying Balen to Jhapa Returns to Kathmandu Shortly After Takeoff

A helicopter carrying senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balendra Shah returned to Kathmandu shortly after taking off for Jhapa on polling day, Nepal’s aviation authorities confirmed.

The aircraft departed from Tribhuvan International Airport but landed back in the capital within about five minutes, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul of CAAN said the helicopter’s return was not caused by a technical problem or an official restriction.

“If they wish to proceed, there is no restriction,” Bhul said, indicating that authorities had not imposed any ban on the flight.

Officials said the helicopter landed back in Kathmandu at around 10:10 a.m. local time. No further details were immediately available about why those on board chose to return.

Shah Voted in Kathmandu Before Departure

Shah cast his vote earlier in the morning at a polling station set up at Annapurna English School in Sinamangal, Kathmandu. He is a registered voter in Kathmandu-2.

After voting, he departed for Jhapa-5, where he is contesting the election.

Other Leaders Also Traveled by Helicopter

On the same day, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal — also known as Prachanda — traveled by helicopter to their respective constituencies.

Authorities reported no restrictions on political leaders using air transport to reach their districts during polling.

Voting Reported Peaceful Nationwide

Election officials said voting across the country was proceeding peacefully. Security personnel were deployed at polling centers nationwide, and no major incidents were reported as of late morning.

Further updates were expected as polling continued through the day.