Kathmandu, July 27 -- In a rare and rather dramatic sight for many at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the open-air engine replacement of a wide-body aircraft of Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific is captivating aviation enthusiasts, airport workers and travelers alike.

For nearly two weeks, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 bearing the call sign "Bravo-Lima Bravo Hotel" has been grounded at the TIA. Work of detaching its left engine has been completed in front of Nepal Airlines' maintenance hangar. The massive engine, weighing about 12 tons, had to be replaced after an unexpected malfunction during a routine departure to Hong Kong.

On the night of July 11, the aircraft, carrying 310 passengers, had completed all pre-flight proced...