KATHMANDU: The Airline Operators Association Nepal said on Wednesday that it was not possible to provide 50 per cent discount for passengers above 70 years in airfare.

Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai had announced such a provision for senior citizens while publishing his one-year work plan on Monday. In a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Tuesday evening, the AOAN said, airline companies are not in a position to provide any discount.

“We are already facing turbulence owing to tough market competition, so providing half-off on airfare to any group is simply out of the question,” said Pabitra Karki, president of AOAN. While making the announcement, Minister Bhattarai had said the provision would be implemented after discussions with the concerned stakeholders.