KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 29
Domestic airlines have agreed to halt the sale of tickets at maximum prices for the next three days following public backlash over exorbitant fares amid ongoing natural disasters.
The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) reached this decision during a meeting on Sunday in response to the public outcry. AOAN President Manoj Karki announced that domestic airlines would offer tickets at reduced rates on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
However, AOAN urged the government to consider lowering costs for aviation fuel, airport taxes, and landing and parking fees, which Karki said would help further reduce airfares.
Previously, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, via social media, urged airlines to either maintain regular ticket prices or offer discounts during the disaster period.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) also appealed to airlines to refrain from inflating ticket prices, according to CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul.