KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 5

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, asserted today that Nepal is on the brink of being removed from the European Union's security list.

In a meeting held today by the International Relations and Tourism Committee (IRTC) of the House of Representatives, the minister expressed optimism about Nepal's impending removal from the EU's security list, citing an audit of Nepal's air security system by the EU's technical team.

'Nepali airlines will soon be delisted from the EU's security concerns. The EU team conducted an audit from September 11 to 15. The bill related to the division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has reached the Council of Ministers with the consent of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs,' he stated. The CAAN confirmed that the EU technical team had conducted an 'onsite audit.'

Since 2013, the European Commission, under the EU, has blacklisted Nepali airlines due to serious aviation safety concerns. Nepali airlines were placed on the Significant Security Concerns list of the International Civil Aviation Organization but were removed in 2017.

Minister Kirati expressed confidence that Nepal would be taken off the EU's blacklist as the country has recently improved its aviation security standards.

Minister Kirati also highlighted the positive financial performance of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), stating that the national flag carrier has successfully paid off a debt of Rs 4 billion, thanks to recent profitability.

He acknowledged the challenges, including the grounded Y-12 aircraft that cannot be operated and difficulties in renting it out, which require payment of parking fees and insurance.

IRTC President Raj Kishor Yadav emphasized the committee's responsibility to address the current challenges faced by NAC.

He called for the committee to establish a subcommittee to identify and resolve the issues weakening NAC and work in its long-term interest. If necessary, the committee should conduct investigations and research on the matter, he added.

The meeting also discussed the bill aimed at amending the National Archives Preservation Act, 2046 BS.