Kharel was appointed to the post of NAC managing director through open competition in December 2012. It was under his tenure that NAC procured a new jet, an Airbus A320, after 27 years while a second jet is expected to be delivered by April.

Kharel submitted his resignation letter at the Tourism Ministry today itself.

Kharel was at loggerheads with Tourism Minister Bhim Prasad Acharya after Kharel declined the minister’s order to immediately purchase two jets.