Guna Airlines (ICAO: GUN) is a Nepalese airline primarily operating domestic scheduled flights, with a history marked by re-establishment and a focus on connecting key regions within Nepal.
Guna Airlines was originally launched in 2009 as part of the Guna Group, a Nepalese multi-industry conglomerate. The airline initially ceased operations in 2013, transferring its services to Simrik Airlines. However, the brand made a comeback, re-launching in 2021 after acquiring five BAe Jetstream 41 aircraft from Yeti Airlines, supplementing its existing two Beechcraft 1900C aircraft. Its primary operational base is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The airline's current fleet comprises five Jetstream J41 and two Beechcraft 1900C aircraft. Both aircraft types are designed for regional operations, with the Beechcraft 1900C and Jetstream J41 typically accommodating up to 19 passengers each. Guna Airlines maintains a domestic route network, serving various destinations across Nepal including Simara, Bharatpur, Janakpur, Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Tumlingtar, Pokhara, and Surkhet. The airline also offers specialized services such as scenic Mountain Flights for Himalayan tours, including close-up views of Mount Everest, as well as private charter and air ambulance (medevac) operations.
Guna Airlines is not affiliated with any major airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. For scheduled passenger flights, the airline primarily offers Economy class seating, with various ticket fare options that may influence factors like refunds or changes.
Traveler reviews for Guna Airlines reveal a mixed sentiment, often highlighting both unique offerings and significant operational challenges.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, while Guna Airlines provides unique experiences like mountain flights and can offer competitive fares, its operational reliability and customer service have been subjects of criticism. The recent grounding due to financial issues underscores a period of significant operational instability.
Guna Airlines' safety information is heavily influenced by the broader aviation safety context in Nepal.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) grounded all Guna Airlines flights in February 2023, citing "safety concerns" arising from the airline's alleged failure to pay staff salaries. CAAN stated that a financial crisis could negatively impact staff morale and, consequently, flight safety. This operational suspension lasted until at least March 2024. There are no specific reports of aircraft crashes or major incidents involving Guna Airlines' aircraft in the provided search results; however, it's crucial to distinguish this from an unrelated two-seater aircraft crash at an airstrip in India also named "Guna" in August 2024, which did not involve Guna Airlines (Nepal).
Regarding regulatory certifications, all air carriers certified in Nepal are currently included on the EU Air Safety List (often referred to as the "EU blacklist"). This means they are banned from operating within the European Union due to inadequate safety oversight by Nepalese aviation authorities. Guna Airlines falls under this blanket ban, indicating systemic safety concerns related to the regulatory environment in Nepal rather than specific individual airline certifications like IOSA or FAA compliance which were not found.
Guna Airlines operates a fleet of five Jetstream J41 (produced between 1993-1997) and two Beechcraft 1900C aircraft. While the specific average age of Guna Airlines' fleet is not detailed, aircraft age is generally considered less important than the rigor of maintenance. Guna Airlines itself states that safety has been a hallmark of its operations and that it adheres to "strict ICAA and CANN regulations." However, the grounding by the CAAN due to financial solvency and its potential impact on safety practices presents a significant concern regarding its maintenance reputation and operational integrity.
Based on available data, the overall safety assessment for Guna Airlines is negatively affected by the broader safety oversight issues in Nepal, leading to its inclusion on the EU Air Safety List. The airline's own grounding by national authorities in 2023 due to financial difficulties further underscores concerns about its ability to consistently uphold international safety standards. No specific safety awards or recognitions were identified.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANC → ENA |
Kenai Muni
Kenai
|
715 | 59 mi | C208 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| DLG → KGK |
Koliganek
Koliganek
|
107 | 64 mi | CN1 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DLG → KMO |
Manokotak
Manokotak
|
86 | 16 mi | C208 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DLG → KNW |
New Stuyahok
New Stuyahok
|
78 | 49 mi | C208 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SCM → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
75 | 144 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KWN → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
64 | 71 mi | C208 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CYF → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
63 | 94 mi | GA8 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KWK → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
61 | 77 mi | CN1 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KSM → MOU |
Mountain Village
Mountain Village
|
57 | 13 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| MOU → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
57 | 110 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KWT → KKI |
Akiachak
Akiachak
|
57 | 9 mi | CN1 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| KOT → EMK |
Emmonak
Emmonak
|
56 | 35 mi | CN1 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KUK → NUP |
Nunapitchuk
Nunapitchuk
|
56 | 4 mi | CN1 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| VAK → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
53 | 136 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| EEK → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
52 | 40 mi | CN1 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| AKN → WSN |
South Naknek Nr 2
South Naknek
|
51 | 13 mi | C208 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DLG → TOG |
Togiak
Togiak Village
|
47 | 67 mi | C208 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| VAK → HPB |
Hooper Bay
Hooper Bay
|
46 | 18 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| AKN → KCG |
Chignik
Chignik
|
44 | 176 mi | C208 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| BET → KWT |
Kwethluk
Kwethluk
|
40 | 13 mi | CN1 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| HPB → SCM |
Scammon Bay
Scammon Bay
|
39 | 29 mi | C208 | Dec 4, 2025 |
| KPN → CYF |
Chefornak
Chefornak
|
37 | 17 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| KPN → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
35 | 95 mi | C208 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| OOK → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
34 | 111 mi | C208 | Dec 4, 2025 |
| HPB → BET |
Bethel
Bethel
|
34 | 153 mi | C208 | Dec 4, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.