State-owned carrier Nepal Airlines issued a public apology after facing widespread backlash over a social media post that displayed an incorrect map of India, in which the regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as part of Pakistan. The map, shared as part of the airline’s “network map,” quickly sparked outrage online and was widely criticised for what users described as a serious misrepresentation of international boundaries.
The controversy began when the airline posted the image on its official social media accounts, including X and Facebook. The post rapidly went viral, drawing strong reactions, particularly from Indian users, who accused the airline of presenting an inaccurate and sensitive geopolitical depiction. The issue escalated further as calls for action grew louder, with some users urging India’s Ministry of External Affairs to raise the matter diplomatically with Nepal.
Online criticism intensified, with hashtags such as #BoycottNepalAirlines gaining traction across platforms. Several commentators pointed to longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between India and Nepal, highlighting areas such as employment, trade access, energy cooperation, and disaster assistance. The controversy also unfolded against the backdrop of recent political developments in Nepal, including the rise of Balendra Shah, who recently assumed office.
Public figures also weighed in on the issue. Among them, Khesari Lal Yadav criticised the airline’s post, suggesting that the depiction could be interpreted as provocative rather than accidental. His remarks reflected a broader sentiment among critics who questioned how such an error could occur, given the sensitivity of the region.
In response to the backlash, Nepal Airlines removed the post within 24 hours and issued a formal apology, describing the incident as a “cartographic inaccuracy.” The airline clarified that the map did not reflect its official position or that of the Nepalese government. It also announced that an internal review had been initiated to investigate how the error occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The airline emphasised its commitment to maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries and expressed regret for any offence caused by the post. The episode comes at a time when Nepal Airlines is seeking to expand its operations in India, including plans to increase flight frequency on the Kathmandu–Delhi route from one daily service to up to ten flights per week, making the controversy particularly sensitive in the context of bilateral ties.
