Airlines operators warn of protest

 Airlines operators today warned the government of staging protests, if they are not allowed to resume operations of aviation services.

Issuing a press note, Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) said that they have already completed necessary preparations to resume domestic air services as per the directive by the government. “We will be forced to stage protests, if the government decides to further postpone the resumption of aviation service,” the press note reads, adding that they are fully prepared to implement the criteria set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to resume domestic air services.

The government – yesterday – postponed the resumption of aviation service only from September 1, against its earlier decision to resume air services from August 17 due to increasing Covid-19 cases in the last week.

The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) – in its press note – said that they have been incurring a huge loss and reached already on the verge of collapse due to restrictions in the scheduled air services. The government has restricted the airlines – both domestic and international – since March to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country.

“As the government has listed domestic air service – fixed wing – under an essential service,” the press note reads, adding that it is a primary responsibility of the government to make travelling easier for the needy people. “The suspension of aviation services has affected rescue flights for people affected by floods, landslides, disabled patients and pregnant women.”

Airlines is one of the most affected sectors due to coronavirus not only in Nepal but across the globe..