KATHMANDU, APRIL 28

Private airlines have threatened to halt domestic flights if the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not revert its decision on night time slots.

Issuing a press statement today, Airlines Operators Association of Nepal, an umbrella organisation of Nepali private airlines, stated that all domestic flights operated by private airlines would be suspended from tomorrow unless the CAAN withdrew its earlier direction to the airline companies to reschedule their flights for night operation.

According to the statement signed by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Saurya Airlines, and Guna Airlines, airline companies are unable to operate regular flights after 8:00pm due to technical reasons. Yesterday, the CAAN had issued a notice directing private airlines flying to Tarai to reschedule their flights to ease congestion until midnight.

According to Sudarshan Bartaula, spokesperson for Yeti Airlines, the CAAN had unilaterally issued the notice without discussing the matter with the airlines. 'CAAN is trying to force us to abide by its decision, which is just wrong. Besides, it has to be mindful of other issues as well, such as transportation and security.'

CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari said he was unaware of any statement issued by the airline operators. Meanwhile, Yeti Airlines has issued a statement to its passengers notifying about suspension of all its scheduled flights from 8:00pm today until further notice.

A version of this article appears in the print on April 29, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.