Tourism minister blames CAAN for Nepal being blacklisted in EU

Tourism Minister Ram Kumar Shrestha blamed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) for Nepal being blacklisted by the European Union (EU).

"The EU blacklisted Nepal due to weakness of CAAN," he said addressing the 15^th anniversary of the CAAN today.

"The EU had been suggesting Nepal to improve air safety since 2009," he said, adding that the CAAN's failure in improving the air safety – even after repeated reports – has forced the EU to blacklist Nepali aircraft flying to the European countries. "CAAN is the regulatory authority of the aviation sector, howver, it has failed to perform."

Chinese aircraft have been flying to all over the world, but they are not blacklisted, how come Nepal us blacklisted for buying Chinese aircraft, he asked, trying to clearing the air that Nepal was blacklisted because of its decision to buy Chinese aircraft.

Suggesting to improve the air safety before the EU team's Nepal visit, he lectured the bureucrats to be responsible and improve the air safety sooner.

On the occasion, Airlines Operator Association of Nepal president Rameshwor Thapa suggested the government not to construct airport on whimsical basis. "It will increase danger on air safety," he suggested.