KATHMANDU: The International Civil Aviation Day is being observed in Nepal today by organising various programmes. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) held a morning procession to mark the day.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari, tourism secretary Krishna Prasad Devkota, along with CAAN officials and employees, ministry representatives, representatives from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and Nepal Airlines Corporation, and tourism entrepreneurs joined the rally that started from Sinamangal and concluded upon reaching the TIA area.

On the occasion, Minister Adhikari hoisted the National Flag and flag of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on TIA terminal premises. Likewise, he wished that the day would inspire all to work with a high sense of responsibility by guaranteeing professionalism in aviation services and making them more competent.

Highlighting the need of uniformity in civil aviation criteria globally, he urged employees concerned to work with dedication and be proactive for skill enhancement.

Contextually, he also questioned the continuation of European Union banning Nepali airlines from operating over its sky even after ICAO's withdrawal of serious safety concern over Nepal's aviation sector. According to him, Nepal is working to address the ICAO concerns.

TIA General Manager Raj Kumar Chhetri claimed that TIA was working towards improvement of aviation safety and service quality.

December 7 each year is observed as the International Civil Aviation Day. The day was established in 1994 marking the 50th anniversary of signing the Convention on International Civil Aviation.