Nepal Airlines Issues Apology Over Controversial Map Error Involving Jammu and Kashmir

Nepal Airlines has issued an apology after a network map shared on social media inaccurately depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The airline acknowledged the error, which it attributed to a mistake in selecting a Google map. This incident has led to significant backlash on social media, with calls for a boycott from Indian users. The airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its neighbors and is conducting an internal review to prevent future inaccuracies. The relationship between India and Nepal remains strong, with India being a major development partner for Nepal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 11:24 IST

Nepal Airlines' Apology for Cartographic Mistake

Kathmandu: On Thursday, Nepal's national flag carrier, which is state-owned, issued an apology after a network map it shared on social media depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, which it acknowledged was a mistake.

The airline clarified that the map included significant inaccuracies regarding international borders, which do not align with Nepal's official position or that of the airline itself.

"We sincerely apologize for the error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels. We have immediately removed the post and are conducting an internal review to ensure our materials meet the highest standards of accuracy," the airline stated.

"We deeply value our strong relationships with our neighbours and friends in the region and regret any offence the post has caused," it added.

Archana Khadka, a spokesperson for Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), explained that the mistake occurred while selecting a Google map, which was then used in the network map.

"It was not intentional, and we removed it within 2–3 hours after it was posted when we noticed the error," she mentioned.

The image quickly gained traction on social media, prompting Indian users to call for a boycott of the airline, with some accusing it of "cartographic aggression."

Nepal Airlines operates flights to various destinations, including New Delhi, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and China.

The relationship between India and Nepal is characterized by a robust partnership established through the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which includes open borders, significant economic ties, and close cultural connections.

India stands as one of Nepal's primary development partners. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India was the largest bilateral donor to Nepal, contributing US$107.8 million, as reported by Nepal's finance ministry. Numerous projects and programs are currently underway in Nepal with Indian economic and technical support, at various stages of completion.

According to a recent article in The Kathmandu Post, India has suggested a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal on May 11–12 as part of broader discussions ahead of the visit of newly-elected Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India.

Citing diplomatic sources from Nepal's Foreign Ministry and the Nepali Embassy in India, the report indicated that the Indian side has proposed these dates and is awaiting an official response from Kathmandu.

Nepali Prime Minister Shah has already received an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, which he has accepted, as confirmed earlier by Nepal's Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal, although the visit may take some time as the government will first establish its priorities.