KATHMANDU, Nov 21: Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey on Wednesday directed airlines operating international flights to and from Nepal to submit their standard airfare rates within the next 24 hours.
During a discussion at the ministry regarding the recent surge in airfares to and from Kathmandu on Wednesday, Minister Pandey urged airline companies to reconsider the increased fares.
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Expressing dissatisfaction over the failure to implement a five-point agreement previously reached with the civil aviation regulatory body, the minister warned of strict action against airlines that do not revise their fares. He also criticized the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, and Himalaya Airlines for imposing excessively high airfares.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ganesh Pandey, stated that if the agreement to maintain fair airfares is not enforced, a notice will be issued inviting new airlines to provide services.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Pradeep Adhikari, also accused the airlines of failing to adhere to the five-point agreement on airfare regulation. He alleged that some airlines were creating an artificial shortage and engaging in black marketeering.
During the discussion, representatives of the airline companies were reluctant to disclose details about their airfares.
