KATHMANDU, March 24: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that preparations are underway to lease an additional aircraft in order to bring Nepal Airlines back into operation.
Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, Minister Pandey said that adding aircraft is the only option to make the civil aviation sector more effective.
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According to him, proposals for direct flights to Nepal have been received from various countries. To facilitate this, 10 wide-body and 10 narrow-body aircraft will be needed.
“Intensive discussions are underway to bring Nepal Airlines back into operation. Concrete results will emerge at any moment. Adding more aircraft is the only option,” he said, “Proposals for direct flights have come from all directions, which has increased the need for a flag carrier. Not only Nepali passengers but also foreign passengers will find it easier to get permission when flying with the flag carrier of the respective country.”
Minister Pandey said that the process of bringing leased aircraft for Nepal Airlines is in its final stages. The government is preparing to introduce a new policy to address the issues in the air sector.
Additionally, he stated that an essential study is being conducted to eliminate the fare disparities between domestic and international airlines.