Aircraft Spare Parts Imports Soar 357% in FY 2025/26 – NRB Highlights Record Increase

Nepal’s aviation sector has witnessed an extraordinary surge in imports of aircraft spare parts, with the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Mid-September 2025/26 report revealing a massive 357.7% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year. During the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal imported Rs. 4.06 billion worth of aircraft spare parts, up from Rs. 886.6 million in FY 2024/25, marking the highest year-on-year growth in any major import category.

This sharp rise reflects the renewed maintenance and fleet modernization efforts of domestic airlines, which had slowed in previous years due to the pandemic’s economic impact and reduced international flight operations. With aviation activities rebounding and air traffic returning to pre-COVID levels, both domestic and international carriershave accelerated investments in aircraft maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.

According to aviation industry insiders, major airlines such as Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and Yeti Airlines have initiated large-scale engine overhauls, avionics upgrades, and spare parts procurement to comply with international safety standards and enhance fleet reliability. Furthermore, preparations for new aircraft acquisitions and the resumption of suspended international routes have driven demand for aviation components and ground support equipment.

The broader import context supports this trend. Nepal’s total imports reached Rs. 305.15 billion in the first two months of FY 2025/26, up 16.2% year-on-year. Within this, aircraft spare parts ranked among the fastest-growing import categories, alongside chemical fertilizers (+68.1%), transport equipment (+31.7%), and telecommunication equipment (+29.1%). This surge underscores the aviation industry’s growing capital investment and its role as a vital enabler of tourism, logistics, and international connectivity.

However, economists warn that the steep rise in aircraft-related imports could also increase pressure on Nepal’s trade deficit, as aviation equipment involves high-value foreign purchases. Experts suggest balancing such imports with aviation service exports, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities within Nepal, which could serve regional carriers and help offset foreign currency outflows.