CAAN makes move to collect outstanding dues of over Rs 2 billion

Published On: September 25, 2019 07:17 AM NPT By: Muna Sunuwar | @TheMunaSun

KATHMANDU, Sept 25: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is making a move to collect outstanding dues of over Rs 2 billion from 230 airlines companies, government offices, firms, and individuals.

The authority, issuing a notice on Tuesday, asked 195 companies to clear over Rs 2 billion in outstanding dues they owe to the civil aviation regulatory and operating body. However, the total number of companies owing payment to the CAAN is 230. Of the total companies, 55 are operating international airlines, 19 operating domestic airlines, 18 non-operating international airlines, 12 non-operating domestic airlines, 19 government offices, 69 operating companies, and 38 non-operating companies.

“The CAAN is yet to receive dues worth Rs 2.1 billion from the listed companies,” said Trilochan Poudyal, spokesperson at CAAN. “Both operating and non-operating companies have been listed.”

“Domestic airlines, international airlines, organizations, and parties that are either operating or have stopped operation in Nepal are in the list,” he told Republica.

The CAAN has stated that a total of Rs 820.76 million by operating international airlines, Rs 44.4 million by operating domestic airlines, Rs 84.37 million by non-operating domestic airlines, Rs 48.37 million by non-operating international airlines, Rs 561.55 million by government offices, Rs 518.78 million by operating parties, and Rs 30.6 million by non-operating parties are yet to be paid.

Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office tops the ‘government office’ list with Rs 551.5 million outstanding dues, followed by Nepal Oil Corporation with Rs 6.9 million dues, according to the CAAN data.

Likewise, the data also shows that under the airlines category, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) owes Rs 209.85 million to the CAAN followed by Air Asia with Rs 136.21 unpaid dues. “Saurya Airlines is supposed to pay Rs 17.43 million to the CAAN,” Poudyal added.

The CAAN has asked the companies to pay off the dues and late fine, if applicable, within 30 days from the date of issuance of notice. “If the companies fail to comply by the rules, action will be taken as per the Airport Service Charge Regulation 2067,” he further added. According to the notice issued by the CAAN, the body will proceed with action against those who fail to pay the dues. The outstanding dues of Rs 2.1 billion is as of mid-August, 2019.