Himalaya Airlines to operate Pokhara-Lhasa flights

Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) is going to see first regular international flight, almost two years after coming into operations. A Nepal-China joint airline company Himalaya Airlines is starting its regular international flights between Pokhara and Lhasa of China. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed the flights. "The Pokara-Lhasa flight is expected to start from the first week of January, 2025," the aviation sector regulator confirmed.

Himalaya Airlines has already submitted its schedule for the Pokhara-Lhasa route, informed CAAN joint spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul. "After almost two years, Pokhara Regional International Airport is expected to witness international flights," he said, adding that regular flights on the route could significantly boost the inflow of Chinese tourists to Pokhara.

Himalaya Airlines is planning to start flights on Pokhara-Lhasa route using a 144-seat Airbus A-319. "The flights will begin as soon as the Civil Aviation Administration of China grants permission,” Bhul said, adding that Nepal side has completed all necessary preparations.

According to the schedule, the airline will operate a Kathmandu-Lhasa-Pokhara flight on Mondays, spending the night in Pokhara before flying Pokhara-Lhasa-Kathmandu on Tuesdays. 

Himalaya Airlines is currently flying on Kathmandu-Lhasa route. But due to lack of passengers the flights -- earlier three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) -- have been reduced and irregular. But the airlines has prepared a new schedule and hopefully continue the regular flights.

Himalaya Airlines has also received approval for Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights on Wednesdays and Fridays.

CAAN suspends license of two pilots

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) today suspended the license of two pilots.

CAAN spokesperson and deputy director general Jagannath Niraula confirmed the suspension of license of Senior Captain Santosh Shah and Captain Sanjib Shrestha, the pilots of the Tara Air, who were engaged in a physical fight in the premises of the airport at Manthali, Ramechhap this morning.

"The license of the two senior captains have been suspended until further notice due to the breach of the security standard. Their license will be revoked or other action, according to the law, might be taken against them after detailed investigation," Niraula added.

The aviation sector regulator stated that the reason behind the two pilots belonging to the same company resorting to physical fight is not known yet. "A thorough investigation could also result in the revocation of their licenses and the imposition of other punitive measures in accordance with regulations," the regulator said, adding that it has also suspended the station manager of the Manthali Airport.

In the last 10 months, CAAN has taken action against some 20 pilots. "The increasing indiscipline among the pilots has been a serious concern lately," the regulatory authority claimed.

Meanwhile, Senior Captain Shah has filed a case against Captain Shrestha at the police station.

Earlier today morning, a fight erupted between two Tara Air pilots at Ramechhap Airport, raising concerns within the aviation community. The fight occurred at 8 AM, when a TwinOtter aircraft operated by Tara Air landed at Ramechhap Airport from Lukla.

Though, the exact cause of the fight remains undisclosed, the eyewitnesses claimed that they 

"I am currently probing the incident of Senior Captain Santosh Shah, who had piloted the aircraft arriving from Lukla at 8 AM, and Captain Sanjeev Shrestha, who was scheduled to take the aircraft back to Lukla," station manager of Manthali Airport Ashok Thapa aid this morning.

According to informed sources, the fight occurred during the duty changeover. As Senior Captain Shah was heading towards the airport building, Captain Shrestha was en route to the aircraft. The fight began when Captain Shrestha pushed Captain Shah, who had extended his hand for a handshake. Subsequently, a physical confrontation ensued.

Captain Shah reported an injury to his hand and left for treatment in the Manthali market, while Captain Sanjeev Shrestha continued to Lukla with the aircraft. The aircraft and Captain Shrestha have since been grounded at Lukla Airport.

"Sanjeev mentioned that it was a personal matter, and said that he can operate the aircraft," informed the Manthali airport. "Currently, the aircraft and Captain Shrestha remain grounded at Lukla airport, while Senior Captain Shah has been grounded in Ramechhap."

Tara Airlines' spokesperson Sudarshan Bertaula informed that the company is inquiring into the matter. "This fight appears to be rooted in their personal issues and is unrelated to the airline's operations or flights," he said, adding that the company has started internal investigation to ascertain the details of the incident.

Himalaya Airlines resumes regular flights on Kathmandu-Beijing route

After an interval of three-year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Himalaya Airlines restarted regular flights between Kathmandu and Beijing from today.

Nepali ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, along with other passengers, flew to Beijing in the resumed first direct flight of the Himalayan Airlines from Kathmandu to Beijing, according to the airlines that has reassured that the scheduled flight operations between Kathmandu and Beijing will be operational every Saturday. "The new service will provide a convenient and efficient travel option for passengers seeking to explore the dynamic cities of Beijing and Kathmandu."

The airline also believes that the resumption of this flight route will be a significant boost to both Nepalese tourism and trade.

The Kathmandu-Beijing-Kathmandu route – that has commenced on June 24, 2023 – departed from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu at 7:40 hours (local time) and will arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport at 14:15 hours (local time) in Beijing, with a flight duration of 4-hour-and-45 minutes. "The return flight, H9 666, will depart from Beijing at 15:25 hours (local time) and land in Kathmandu at 18:30 hours (local time)," the airliner informed.

"We are thrilled to initiate scheduled flights between Kathmandu and Beijing, especially after the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic," expressed vice president of the airline Bijay Shrestha. Emphasising that this route will enhance the airline's international presence, Shrestha informed that passengers can now book tickets for the Kathmandu-Beijing-Kathmandu flight at the Himalaya Airlines ticketing counter. "The company is confident that the resumption of this route will facilitate convenient and efficient travel options for individuals commuting between Beijing and Kathmandu, benefiting Nepal's tourism and business sectors."

Prime Minister to inaugurate Pokhara Regional International Airport on January 1

As the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is all set for the grand opening of Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) in Pokhara, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will inaugurate the airport on Sunday.

Pokhara Metropolis has announced a public holiday on Sunday to mark the inauguration and operation of Regional International Airport as it is going to be formally operate on the first day of the Gregorian calendar 2023 AD, 

Except Prime Minister Dahal, deputy prime ministers Bishnu Paudel and Rabi Lamichhane, and top leaders of various political parties, industrialists and tourism professionals will take part in the opening ceremony, according to the CAAN.

The crew and passengers of the aircraft landing at the airport from the first flight in the morning will be welcomed with garlands, the CAAN has palnned.

From Sunday, all domestic flights will be operated from the new airport as Buddha, Yeti and Sourya Air have already conducted the test flight and completed preparations including office management to start flying from the new airport.

The then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had laid the foundation of the airport on April 13, 2016, though it took yet another year to start construction. A Chinese company China CAMCE started the construction work one-and-a-half years after the foundation stone was laid. But the China CAMCE has handed over new airport to Nepal in the third week of last March, though only 93 per cent work was completed. The airport was handed over to Nepal on the occasion of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's visit to Nepal.

Narrow-body aircraft including Airbus A-320 and Boeing 757-200 that has capacity to carry less than 200 passengers can take off and land at the airport, according to director of Pokhara Regional International Airport Bikram Gautam. "The aircraft, at present however, can only land from the east in the one-way approach airport."

The airport has parking lots that can accommodate 11 aircraft including three large and eight small ones. The runway of the airport is 2,500 meters and the width is 45 meters and the thickness of the runway is 34 cm, Gautam informed, adding that the airport has the capacity to handle 610 passengers per hour during peak hours. "There will be 18-hour daily flights to and from Pokhara International Airport beginning February 23."

Estimated to have cost around Rs 22 billion with concessional loan from China’s Export-Import (Exim) Bank, the airport has domestic and international terminal buildings spread over 14,000 sq meters of land. The China CAMCE has constructed the airport on EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model.

Four decades ago, some 3,106 ropanis of land in wards 14, 15 and 18 in Pokhara was acquired to construct the airport. After the land was not enough, another 521 ropanis of land was acquired. But the construction was started by acquiring another 60 acres of land to build a 10 km road around the airport.

The airport that is expected to be a milestone in the promotion of tourism, also wants to convey the message to the world that Nepal is eager to welcome more tourists, , according to the chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pom Narayan Shrestha. Pokhara's direct connection with international cities will help promote Pokhara more, he said, adding that Pokhara is a major tourist destination and the tourism sector will benefit more with the operation of the airport. "The tourism sector affected by Covid-19 will get relief with the increase in tourist arrivals with the operation of the new airport."

Home ministry forms committee to investigate TIA case

After 4 days, the government today formed a probe team to investigate an incident, relating to a man sneaking through three layers of security and boarded an aircraft parked on the tarmac of Tribhuvan International Airport without any documents.

Despite a slew of checking process and three layers of security, the person, without a passport and a visa, reached the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) aircraft, when it was about to take off for Doha from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Describing the incident highly sensitive in terms of security, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to bring it under investigation, a press note issued by the ministry today reads, adding that the incident had grabbed its serious attention.

The probe team will assess the security of the international airport, work allocations of several securities bodies, possible weaknesses, and ways for improvement, the press note further reads, adding that the nine-member probe team has been formed under the coordination of director-general of Department of Immigration Narayan Prasad Bhattarai

According to joint secretary and spokesperson of the ministry Phanidramani Pokhrel, the probe team will submit its report within seven days. 

The international airport that is heavily guarded by the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police but Monday’s incident has left everyone wondering how a person managed to breach the three layers of security to reach the sensitive area. The man was arrested and police have identified him as Haspam Alam of Rautahat. 

According to Nepal Airlines, on February 21 night, Alam was found seated in the business class of an Airbus A330 aircraft, registration number 9N-ALY, which was preparing to fly to Doha. 

After the incident, Nepal Airlines suspended Dhruvaraj Thapa, security commander of Nepal Airlines.

Government forms probe committee to study aviation sector

The government has formed a probe committee domestic aircraft.

"The investigative committee will help domestic airlines make more robust, safe and effective," confirmed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. "A meeting chaired by prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, formed a five-member probe committee led by joint secretary of the ministry Buddhisagar Lamichhane."

"The committee has former director of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Bheshraj Subedi, senior captain Krishna Bahadur Poudel and joint secretary at the ministry Pramod Nepal as members and CAAN general manager Laxman Devkota as member secretary," the ministry added. 

A committee will study the physical and mechanical condition of domestic airlines in Nepal regarding various problems seen in their aircrafts and helicopters recently, a press note issued by the ministry reads, adding that the committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to submit the report within three months with suggestions. "The committee will study and observe the physical, mechanical and archival condition of all the aircrafts flying in and out of Nepal."

The committee is also responsible for reviewing the CAAN’s test report on whether the airline has complied with the safety standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the press note reads. "It will also examine whether the criteria for crew members have been met."

The probe committee will make suggestions to improve the quality of air safety by studying the safety related work to be followed by the CAAN. “We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the general public and tourists by making Nepal's air service reliable and trustworthy," the statement reads.

A Buddha Air flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar managed a safe landing at Kathmandu airport as it failed to land at Biratnagar airport due to technical glitch.

Himalaya Airlines fleet now flying with life-saving AEDs onboard

 Adhering to its key guiding principle of ‘Safety’, Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, has this week introduced Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) onboard all its fleet comprising of three A320s and one A319.

"To ensure flying with Himalaya is safer than ever before, Himalaya has now included AED, a life-saving device on board," a press note issued by the airlines, reads, adding that with this, Himalaya Airlines stands to be the first ever and the only Nepali airlines to carry AEDs onboard. "An AED is a portable device that automatically diagnoses and treats the life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest."

AED helps to quickly shock someone's heart and try to save their life if they collapse, have no pulse, and stop breathing. "Within past few weeks all cabin crew of H9 have received a thorough training for proper usage of AEDs."

Sri Lankan Airlines to connect Colombo and Kathmandu with direct flights from Tuesday

Sri Lankan Airlines is connecting Colombo with Kathmandu with its direct flights from Tuesday.

Sri Lankan ambassador to Nepal Himalee Arunatilaka tweeted that Sri Lankan Airlines is starting direct flights between Colombo and Kathmandu starting August 31. "To all those friends in Nepal, who have been asking me when direct flights will starts; it's happening on 31 August 2021," she tweeted today.

The airline flies twice a week connecting the island nation to the Himalayan nation. The direct flight between the two countries is expected to boost tourism and enhance people-to-people contact between the two countries. The direct flight is expected to promote Buddhist pilgrimage between the two countries once the Covid-19 situation becomes normal. "The starting fare begins from $599 one-way," according to the Zenith Travels, the general sales agent of the airline in Kathmandu.

The two capitals of the South Asian nations have been connected after a hiatus of four decades though this is the first time a Sri Lankan Airlines is connecting Colombo with Kathmandu with its direct commercial flights.

The then Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC) and current Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) used to operate regular direct flights on Kathmandu-Colombo-Kathmandu sector some four decades ago during the 1980s. But the flights were suspended as they were not commercially viable.

Similarly, Himalaya Airlines also used to connect Kathmandu with Colombo for a brief period in 2016, and this too stopped as the flights were not commercially viable due to low passenger volume. In March 2015, Mihin Lanka also planned to start direct flights between Colombo and Kathmandu but the proposed flights could not start.

In 2019 -- before the Covid-19 pandemic -- Nepal received 1.2 million international tourists, and out of the total, some 55,869 Sri Lankan tourists visited Nepal, according to Tourism Ministry. "In 2018, some 69,640 Sri Lankan tourists visited Nepal."

Likewise, some 97.5 per cent of the Sri Lankan visitors entered Nepal overland from Bhairahawa to visit Buddhist sites in Lumbini. Once the Gautam Buddha Airport in Lumbini us operational, it is expected to connect Colombo and Lumbini for the Buddhist tourists from Lanka.

"The civil aviation regulator has approved the Sri Lankan Airlines flights effective from August 31," the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed. "Sri Lankan Airlines will operate 158-seater Airbus A320 aircraft that will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 9:40 am and depart to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo at 10:40 am."

The passengers need to furnish evidence of hotel booking for 7 days quarantine before boarding the flight to Nepal. Likewise, they will require a negative PCR test report for Covid-19, according to the health protocal. "The test should be conducted 72 hours prior to arrival."

Likewise, as per the travel protocol of Sri Lanka, fully vaccinated travellers are not required to stay in quarantine. They are required to stay at a certified safe and secure hotel until the on-arrival PCR test is performed -- for some 24 hours to 48 hours.

Domestic and international flights to resume with some restrictions

The domestic and international flights that remained suspended since the government imposed prohibitory orders shortly after the outbreak of the second wave of Covid-19 in April, will resume with some restrictions, according to the government.

The government has announced to resume both domestic and international flights, confirmed the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. "The domestic flights will be allowed to operate with 50 per cent seat occupancy, while international flights will be operated as per the safety protocol of the government," the notice published by the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers reads. 

However, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation will fix the number of flights for each airlines. But it is said that government is allowing the airlines to operate half the flights, from what they used to operate before Covid-19. The Cabinet meeting, on Monday, decided to lift the restrictions for domestic services from Sunday.

The domestic airlines welcomed the government decision saying that the resumption of flights would boost business confidence.

The government has also decided to resume regular international flights to and from Kathmandu in some destinations especially the labour destinations, reads the notice. Though, the exact number of Nepali migrant workers stuck abroad is unknown, it is estimated that some 1,500 to 2,000 Nepalis are waiting to return home from each of the popular labour destination countries.

They are mostly those workers whose contracts or visas have expired. Likewise, the flights will also help to bring back the bodies of dead migrant workers that have remained in many destination countries. Some 70 to 80 bodies of Nepali migrant workers are stranded in different labour destinations, according to the government.

With the new decisions, Nepal Airlines and Qatar Airways will be allowed to operate two flights each a week in Kathmandu-Doha sector. Similarly, four flights each a week will be allowed in Kathmandu-Doha sector, Kathmandu-Kwalalumpur sector, two flights each a week in Kathmandu-Istanbul sector, Kathmandu-Damam and Kathmandu-Kuwait sectors.

The government will also allow to operate one flight each a week in Kathmandu-Muscat, Kathmandu- Seoul, Kathmandu-Tokyo, Kathmandu-Chhengdu and Kathmandu-Guangzhou sectors.

Earlier, except for two weekly flights on the Kathmandu-Delhi sector, Nepal halted all domestic flights from midnight of May 3, and all international flights from midnight of May 6 as the coronavirus looked like spreading out of control. The two flights on the Kathmandu-New Delhi route, one each for Nepal Airlines and Air India remain unchanged, under an air bubble arrangement.

Thai help handed over

 Thailand has provided oxygen concentrators to Nepal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Thai Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus and Verapuchong Foundation, Thailand provided forty-six oxygen concentrators to Nepal, according to a press note from the Foreign Ministry.

Thai ambassador Vosita Vorasaph handed over those oxygen concentrators to a senior official of the Ministry of Health and Population amidst a brief ceremony held at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today.

A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs too was present on the occasion, the press note reads, adding that those oxygen concentrators were brought today by a Shree Airlines flight. "Nepal appreciates and thanks the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Thai Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus and Verapuchong Foundation, Thailand for their support.

A special aircraft, carrying various equipment and medical items contributed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and members of the Thai Royal Family in order to support Nepal in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, is also arriving early next week, the press note adds.

Air India resumes Delhi-Kathmandu flight after nine months

 Air India resumed Delhi-Kathmandu flights from today.

The airlines – that had restricted flights to Kathmandu following Covid-19 spread – has fixed a minimum fare of Rs 9,277 for Nepali passengers, according to a press note issued by the airlines. “Air India conducted a Delhi-Kathmandu flight with more than 50 per cent today, according to the Air India’s office at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). “The narrow body aircraft Airbus 320 of Air India from Delhi landed at TIA at 11:07 am this morning with 99 passengers and returned Delhi with 92 passengers,” it confirmed.

Though, the Nepali national flag carrier has resumed Kathmandu-New Delhi flight a week ago – under air bubble rule – the Indian airlines was yet to start the flight. Both the governments have halted the sir service between two countries, after the outbreak of coronavirus in March.

Buddha Air forms internal probe panel to find out the cause of flight error

 Buddha Air has formed an internal investigation committee to find out the cause of flight error that occurred on Friday.

The private airline – issuing a press note – confirmed said that the committee has been formed to study the cause of the event of misinformation that led to an aircraft land at Pokhara instead of Janakpur. “We are alert to not let mistakes like that happen in the future,” the press note reads, adding that the airline will submit the report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

A Buddha Air aircraft with passengers headed to Janakpur had landed at Pokhara Airport on Friday afternoon. After landing at the airport, the aircraft was loaded with fuel and allowed to fly to its original destination Janakpur via Kathmandu.

According to the airlines, all the passengers were safely brought to their original destination. However, the mistake has raised a serious air safety and security issue. 

Fifth phase repatriation flights to begin from tomorrow

 The government is starting the fifth phase of repatriation flights for Nepali migrant workers – stranded abroad due to Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures – from tomorrow.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has allowed more than 40 flights during the repatriation period that will last till August 31, according to the regulatory authority of the aviation sector. “We have allowed Nepal-based international airlines to operate more than 30 repatriation flights during the phase,” the authority confirmed, adding that some 10 flights will be conducted by international airlines, whereas Nepal Airlines will bring – stranded Nepalis home – in 17 flights from Dubai, Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. “Himalaya Airlines is scheduled to operate 14 flights to various labour destinations including Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai.”

Apart from Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, CAAN has permitted international airlines including Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai and Turkish Airlines to operate 11 flights. The repatriation flights – for the fifth phase – will be operated between August 17 and August 31.

The government has however decided to bring only 500 passengers a day, half from earlier. 

As the number of coronavirus cases increased, the government has announced the resumption of scheduled international and domestic air services from September 1 only. Earlier, the suspension was supposed to be lifted from August 17 but the decision was revised in view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

More than 50,000 Nepalis have been repatriated from abroad since the government started operating repatriation flights on June 10.

Himalaya Airlines to start fifth-phase repatriation flights

 The Himalaya Airlines is starting fifth phase of repatriation flights from August 16.

The airlines – authorised by the government to bring back home Nepalis stranded in different countries due to Covid-19 pandemic – will continue its repatriation flights till August 30, a press note issued by the airliner reads, adding that the airfare of the repatriation flights varies from $372 to $465 depending on the destination country. “The airlines will conduct flights on August 16, 18 and 20 to bring back Nepalis from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, whereas Nepalis stranded in Doha will be repatriated via three flights on August 17, 23 and 29.”

Likewise, four chartered flights will be operated to bring back Nepalis from Dammam of Saudi Arabia on August 19, 22, 25 and 27 respectively, the airlines confirmed, adding that it will operate another four flights, one each on – August 24, 26, 28 and 30 – to bring back Nepalis from Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Likewise, there will be one flight on August 21 that will evacuate Nepalis from Kuwait.”

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.. 

Ease restrictions on domestic flights: Airliners

Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has today requested the government to lift restrictions on domestic flights immediately to help rescue flood and landslide victims.
The government has – last week – announced to resume both domestic and international flights from August 17, but the association has issuing a press note – in the wake of recent floods and landslides – requested the government to resume domestic flights immediately. “Floods and landslides have damaged highways across the country making it hard for people to travel,” the press note reads, adding that the rescue and relief cargo flights need to operate. “Thus, the association requests the government to allow airline operators to operate non-scheduled regular flights for the convenience of people.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), in coordination with the association, has prepared Covid-19 prevention guideline to resume flights. Thus, the association claimed that there wouldn’t be any problem resuming flights immediately.
The rescue and relief flights have been affected due to flight restrictions, the press note reads, asking the the government to allow airlines to operate flights. “The emergency flight operations will also help airliners prepare for the resumption of regular commercial flights.”
The airliners have also pledged to provide flight services as per the airfare set by the government.
Currently, few airlines are operating repatriation, rescue and cargo flights with special permission from the Foreign Ministry and CAAN..

International, domestic flights to resume from August 17

The government has decided to resume international and domestic flights operation from August 17.
A cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Baluwatar today took the decision to resume the flights that have been halted since March 22.
According to tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, the cabinet meeting endorsed the proposal forwarded by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). “The cabinet has also directed the ministry to prepare a detailed safety guideline to resume the flights as the threat of coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to remain in the country,” he said, adding that the cabinet meeting has decided to resume all regular commercial flights. “
The government had decided to suspend all domestic and international flights on March 22 to contain the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19). However, the government has started chartered rescue flights – with safety protocol – to evacuate Nepalis stranded in foreign lands.
Currently, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Himalaya Airlines, apart from some international airliners, have been operating chartered flights with safety protocol.

Employees against splitting CAAN, Government committed to air safety

Though, the private airlines have been pushing the government to split Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) as soon as possible, the trade unions are against the government move to split the aviation sector regulatory body.
Speaking at the 21st anniversary programme of aviation sector regulator today, they warned of padlocking the office, if the decision to split CAAN to two entities is not rolled back. However, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has already decided to bifurcate CAAN into regulation and operational bodies.
Chair of CAAN Trade Union Shrawan Kumar Yadav, on the occasion, said that the union has already started second phase of protest against the ministry's decision. But minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai, on the occasion, said that the government will go ahead with the CAAN restructuring plan. “The CAAN restructuring plan will not impact professional development of its employees,” he said assuring the CAAN staffers. “But government will come hard on staffers, who object to the decision.”
Restructuring the CAAN is one of the pre conditions to take Nepal out of European Union (EU) black list. The EU has back listed Nepali aircrafts to fly to European skies. Thus, the government is preparing to split CAAN to make the regulatory authority more effective according to the international aviation principles. The split will also prompt the EU remove Nepal from its air safety list, paving way for the Nepali airlines to fly in the European space.
The private airliners, on the occasion, however urged the government to split CAAN – into two entities to avoid hurting the aviation sector – as soon as possible. Its 9 years, the government has been struggling to split CAAN but the plan has not moved forward. Due to delays in passing the legislation, international aviation safety agencies have been slamming Nepal’s poor progress in ensuring air safety.
The government has prepared a draft Civil Aviation Bill that has already been submitted to the Legislative Committee of the cabinet seeking approval to register it in the Parliament. “The proposed law envisages integrating previous acts to eliminate conflicts and contradictions at the CAAN, which is currently functioning as both regulator and service provider, and there is no clear demarcation between its duties and organisational structure, according to the ministry.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) was established as an independent regulatory body on December 31, 1998 as a result of the Civil Aviation Act of 1996. The new law is expected to replace two existing acts, the Civil Aviation Act 1959 and the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority Act 1996.
In December 2013, the European Commission imposed a blanket ban on all airlines from Nepal from flying into the 28-nation bloc after the September 2012 crash of Sita Air Flight 601 in the Manohara River that killed 19 people, including seven British citizens. Likewise, between 2008 and 2012, there were at least two air crashes annually.
“The ban has had a profound impact on Nepal’s aviation and tourism industry,” president of the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) Rameshwor Thapa said, adding that travellers hesitate to visit the country, which has been questioned by the commission.
Likewise, tourism secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, on the occasion, said that Nepal’s aviation safety has improved a lot, but there are many things to be done because improvement is a continuous process.

Second international airport to boost economy

Stakeholders urged the government to construct Nijgadh International Airport at any cost as it will boost the economy.
At an interaction organised here today by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), stakeholders listed the economic benefits that the second international airport can bring. If the Nijgadh International Airport comes into operation, it will boost the country’s gross domestic product by five to eight percentage points, they said.
Former National Planning Commission (NPC) vice chair and economist Dr Shankar Sharma said that the Nijgadh International Airport can be the backbone of economy. “Most industries are based in Province 2, and it is also a hub for tourism and agriculture sectors,” he said, adding that Province 2 will benefit the most from the new airport. “The second international airport will help bring more tourists from India and China and also connect Nepal directly with European countries.”
Since the number of tourists is increasing rapidly across the world, the highest number of tourists is from the Asia-Pacific region, Sharma added. “Among countries from Asia-Pacific region, tourists from India and China travel all over the world.”
Likewise, economist Surendra Upreti urged the authorities not to get mired in discussions on an alternative to the Nijgadh International Airport. “It is true that the country now needs a full-fledged international airport that can handle the ever-rising passenger and aircraft movement,” he said, adding that Nijgadh International Airport can also provide air cargo services, which will directly help boost economy. “So, it is pointless to look for an alternative at the moment as construction of Nijgadh International Airport has already been delayed by 25 years.”
Upreti also said that no mega infrastructure has been built anywhere in the world without some collateral damage to the environment. “Let the government build the airport and operate it in a full-fledged manner.”
Environmentalist Ripu Maharjan, however, said that the demand of environmentalists is that the development process and the environment be dealt with simultaneously. “Environment is necessary for human beings and we just cannot ignore it in favour of any development work,” he said, adding that the government has to come up with a concrete plan on how the impact on the environment can be reduced while building the airport and how wildlife can be managed after construction is over.
Replying the queries, on the occasion, director general of CAAN Rajan Pokhrel said that the government will build Nijgadh International Airport soon to address the increasing air congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and also to open the door for economic sources.

Nestlé India launches Project ‘Serve Safe Food’ in Nepal

Nestlé India has launched Project Serve Safe Food in Nepal in partnership with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI). Approximately 500 street food vendors will be trained under the projecton food safety and hygiene in Nepal, according to the company. “The project was first piloted in 2016 in India, where over a period of 4 years, some 20,000 street food vendors were trained across 17 locations.”
Project Serve Safe Food focuses on educating and training street food vendors on health, hygiene, safe food handling, waste disposal, and entrepreneurship. These trainings will equip the street food vendors to undertake measures such as usage of disposable gloves and personal hygiene that prevent the spread of foodborne diseases, the company claims.
“Eating clean, safe and healthy food is of utmost importance for people,” director general at the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control Dr Matina JoshiVaidhya said speaking on the occasion. “Our street food vendors play a very crucial role in safe delivery of food to consumers,” he said, adding that therefore empowering the street food vendors with knowledge and skills will go a long way in our commitment towards food safety.
“Nepal is a popular tourist destination and street food vending is an important source of employment for the local population,” chief executive officer at the NTB said, on the occasion. “The initiative undertaken by Nestlé India for upskilling street food vendors becomes very important in the wake of Visit Nepal 2020, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for promoting tourism in the region,” he said, adding that he is sure that Project Serve Safe Food will aid in developing and strengthening the food safety infrastructure in Nepal.
“Skilling our street food vendor is an important initiative that we will be undertaking in Nepal,” senior director at the board Hikmat Singh said, adding that it will enable the street food vendors to learn about food safety and hygiene. “We are excited about Nestlé India, launching project serve safe food in Nepal.”
“In line with Nestlé's purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future, we are delighted to launch Project Serve Safe Food in Nepal in collaboration with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Nepal Tourism Board and NASVI,” director of the Corporate Affairs at Nestlé India Sanjay Khajuria said, adding that the company has seen that the training programmes have brought about positivebehavior change and encouraged our street food vendors to take food safety and food hygieneseriously. “Clean and safe food brings in more customers, improves the livelihood of the vendors, which in turn helps build confidence of the vendors in their business.”
“Increasing awareness about safe, healthy and hygienic food is of paramount importance,” head of Street Food Programme at NASVI Sangeeta Singh said, adding that they have developed training materials, which will equip the street food vendors to improve food safety. “We are excited about our partnership with all the stakeholders to meet this important objective.”