KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 20
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has directed all airlines operating international flights to and from Nepal to submit their airfare rates within 24 hours.
During a discussion at the ministry regarding the sudden surge in airfare to and from Kathmandu, Minister Pandey instructed airline companies to reassess and justify the increased rates. He expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of airline operators to implement a five-point agreement previously reached with the civil aviation regulatory authority.
The Minister also criticized national carriers, Nepal Airlines Corporation and Himalaya Airlines, for imposing exorbitant fares. He issued a stern warning, stating that strict actions would follow if the airlines did not comply with the directive to revise airfares.
Ministry Secretary Dr. Ganesh Pandey further cautioned that if the agreement on maintaining reasonable airfares is not honored, the government may issue a public notice inviting new airline operators to enter the market.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Director General, Pradeep Adhikari, highlighted that airlines failed to adhere to the five-point agreement on fare control and engaged in creating artificial shortages and black market practices.
During the meeting, representatives from the airline companies appeared hesitant to disclose detailed information about their pricing structures.
