KATHMANDU: A Summit Air aircraft bound for Lukla was forced to return to Kathmandu after developing an engine malfunction mid-flight.

The Twin Otter plane, which departed the capital at 6:12 a.m., encountered engine trouble near Ramechhap and was rerouted for an emergency landing in Kathmandu.

Airport operations were briefly suspended to allow the aircraft to land safely. “The aircraft experienced engine trouble, but it has landed safely,” a source said.