KATHMANDU, JUNE 21

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has made it clear that the forceful act of the airlines companies to close the domestic flights from Wednesday was not acceptable.

In a statement today, the CAAN urged the airlines companies not to suspend their flights stating that its prior decisions were taken to lessen the existing pressure on Tribhuvan International Airport and for the strengthening of the aviation safety.

Director General of CAAN Pradip Adhikari said the airlines companies acting against the decision of the CAAN is to refrain away from their responsibility. And asked them to remain responsible to public service.

'The entrepreneurs should be responsible in the sensitive issue like aviation service. The CAAN will not remain mute if people suffer from the strike,' Director General Adhikari added.

Earlier today, the Airlines Operators Association had warned to close all the emergency and scheduled flights from Wednesday, protesting CAAN decisions.

However, standing firm on the CAAN decision, DG Adhikari said the airlines companies should go to the particular sites for their night-stop where the airlines companies received approval for their base during the time of acquiring Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The CAAN had decided to shift Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)-based parking space for helicopters and aircrafts to outside the Kathmandu Valley. As per the decision, helicopters and aircraft will be sent out of Kathmandu for night-stop parking and they are required to operate the first flight of the day from the base airport (stop area).

The decision to shift the parking space is to reduce parking loads at TIA, according to the CAAN. In case of airlines companies, the decision shall come into effect from June 27 while the helicopters companies are required to implement it from June 21.