KATHMANDU, Oct 3: The government is considering taking strict action against airline companies that charge passengers airfares exceeding approved rates by exploiting festivals, disasters, or other emergency situations.
The bill, drafted to amend and consolidate laws regarding the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, also proposes a fine ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1.5 million for airline operators who charge amounts higher than the approved fare rates.
Rein in airlines charging exorbitant airfares
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has forwarded the draft of the bill after receiving opinions from stakeholders. Under the proposed provision, operating flights while charging more than the airfare rates approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will be considered an offense. Clause 47, Section (d) of the bill classifies the act of operating flights while charging airfares above the approved rates as an offense.
The bill has also proposed doubling the normal fine in case of repeated offenses. Individuals who repeat an offense of the same nature after having already faced action for it will be subject to double the fine. This measure aims to discourage the practice of charging fares higher than normal rates.
Demand for air tickets typically surges during major festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. Similarly, passenger pressure on domestic air services increases when overland travel is disrupted by floods, landslides, road blockages, disasters, or other emergencies.
The proposed legal provision is considered significant given recurring complaints from passengers about having to purchase expensive tickets during such times.
