Tourism Minister to give priority to demands from tourism entrepreneurs

 Kathmandu, June 29

Khadak Raj Poudel ‘Ganess’, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said that the government is committed to resolving the existing challenges facing Nepal’s tourism sector and developing tourism as a key pillar of the country’s economic prosperity.

Speaking at an interaction programme with tourism stakeholders organised by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Nepalgunj on Saturday, Minister Poudel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to giving priority to legitimate demands and essential initiatives within the tourism sector.

He also invited stakeholders to submit, in writing, proposals that could be incorporated into the NTB's forthcoming budget and programme. He stated that the government was prepared to include practical and necessary proposals among the suggestions received in the current fiscal year’s budget and programme, the NTB informed in a statement on Sunday.

Tourism entrepreneurs from the Nepalgunj and Lumbini region highlighted the need to expand air services, improve the effective operation of Nepalgunj Airport, develop tourism infrastructure, strengthen destination marketing, promote cross-border tourism, enhance coordination with the private sector, and decentralise the programmes of the NTB.

The interaction was attended by representatives of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), the Hotel Federation Nepal, tourism entrepreneurs, officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, the Chief District Officer of Banke District, representatives from Nepalgunj Airport, and other relevant stakeholders.

Tourism entrepreneurs noted that, despite western Nepal’s immense tourism potential, the region had not achieved the expected level of growth due to inadequate infrastructure, limited international and domestic air connectivity, insufficient promotion, and policy constraints.

They stressed the need for a dedicated programme to develop Nepalgunj as a major tourism gateway linking Lumbini, Bardia National Park, Rara Lake, Khaptad National Park, and the Sudurpashchim Province.

Minister Poudel said that the government is designating the next decade as a decade of tourism infrastructure development.

According to him, the tourism industry would be taken to new heights through investment in road and aviation infrastructure, the upgrading of tourism destinations, the development of local tourism products, stronger collaboration with the private sector, and the maximum utilisation of each province’s tourism potential.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 June 2026.       

EU willing to work with Nepal for air safety

Kathmandu, June 24

The European Union (EU) said on Tuesday that it wants to continue working with Nepal to help the latter in achieving air safety.

“The EU and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with the Government of Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve,” Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the EU to Nepal Thomas Millar said while speaking at the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP) being held in Kathmandu from Tuesday.

“Both the EU and its Member States are already providing technical assistance and have worked closely with all stakeholders to support progress,” he said.

The three-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, is jointly organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and ATR.

The module will focus on ‘Crew Training and Operational Standards’, addressing the human and procedural dimensions of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management, the Delegation of the EU informed in a statement.

Noting that air safety is a priority for Nepal, Millar said, “We have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech, aiming to address the concerns of the European Commission (EC). We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan.”

According to him, officials in the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), the EC department responsible for developing sustainable, safe and efficient transport and mobility policies in the EU, will review the Corrective Action Plan in the coming months.

Nepal has been on the EU’s air safety concern list since 2013, which bars Nepali airlines from flying to, from and within the EU. This has seriously impacted Nepal’s tourism and international trade since then.

Following the launch of a series of aviation cooperation activities earlier this year, the EU has continued its partnership with Nepal and South Asia through two new regional initiatives taking place in Kathmandu under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP).

Over two weeks, aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across South Asia are gathering in Nepal to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and discuss practical approaches to enhancing aviation safety.

The EU Delegation said that by bringing together regulators, operators and industry representatives, the programme aims to foster practical and sustainable approaches to aviation safety.

The second activity, which takes place from 29 June to 2 July, will also host a Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). The workshop will examine recent developments in EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, supporting authorities and industry in implementing the evolving international requirements.

Together, these activities demonstrate the evolution of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project from individual technical exchanges towards a more structured and sustained programme of regional cooperation.

“They also reinforce Nepal's growing role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and illustrate the European Union's commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders through practical, demand-driven and long-term partnerships,” read the statement.

EU envoys pledge to assist Nepal in education, ICT and tourism

Kathmandu, May 26

The European Union (EU) indicated that Nepal is likely to remain on its 'Aviation Safety Concern List' along with sustained operation ban, commonly known as black-list, for a while.

An EU team, following an assessment of the progress in 2023, had recommended the areas and activities to reform. But Nepal couldn't register sufficient progress. "The CAAN had formulated an action plan to improve the status but for the last two and a half years, there was no progress," EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo said at a press meet organised jointly with 22 envoys of EU member States to Nepal in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

She added that the EU is supporting Nepal to implement new standards in improving the aviation sector so that it would be delisted from the EU's safety concern list.

"All the ministers and chiefs of government agencies asked the same question to this delegation. We have same single objective to instill confidence in Nepal's aviation industry," she stated as the representative of the visiting delegation.

However, Ambassador Lorenzo maintained that the EU had asked Nepal for having independent departments for service operation and regulation of the aviation sector but not splitting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two separate entities,

The EU placed Nepal on the list and banned Nepali airlines operators from flying to its member countries on December 5, 2013. The causes it cited then were a series of aviation accidents and regulatory concerns.

Although the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) removed Nepal from its list of 'Significant Safety Concerns' in 2017 after assessing the safety improvements, the EU maintained the status quo. Nepal was included in the ICAO 'safety concern' in 2013.

The delegation included envoys from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Of these countries, Finland, France and Germany have their embassies in Nepal apart from the EU Delegation.

Likewise, Ambassador Lorenzo suggested Nepal should begin its homework for the graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC). Stating that some sectors will be most vulnerable and many jobs will be lost, she expressed her dismay that the country didn't do its homework to face the post-graduation scenario.

The ambassadors present at the press meet said that they were keen to support the new government in its development initiatives especially in education and information technology sector.

Several of them expressed their readiness in extending cooperation in tourism sector as well. Non-resident ambassador of Sweden to Nepal Jan Thesleff said, "Now tourists want to experience the culture, nature and adventure which Nepal has in abundance. From nature to mountains and wellness, you can offer a lot to the tourists."

He also said that Sweden is ready to support Nepal in tourism.

Similarly, non-resident ambassador of Estonia to Nepal Marje Luup said that her country is ready to share its practices and successes in ICT and e-governance with Nepal. "I am sure there will be many other opportunities where we can find ways for cooperation," she said.

Non-resident ambassador of Cyprus to Nepal Evagoras Vryonides expressed concerns to Nepalis paying huge sums of money to reach Cyprus. "Nepali workers and students are paying about 7,000 Euros (above Rs. 1.2 million). This should be reduced and we must find a way out for that," he said.

Meanwhile, the envoys appreciated the government leadership in Nepal and said that Prime Minister Balendra Shah was determined to deliver in order to meet the public expectations.

“It is rare that there are such joint diplomatic trips, and we are overwhelmed by the hospitality we received,” they said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 May 2026.  

Thai Air launches three-class configuration

Kathmandu, Nov. 5

Thai Airways International has announced an enhancement to its Nepal operations with the introduction of the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring a three-class configuration. 

This strategic upgrade marks a historic milestone as it introduces Premium Economy Plus, Premium Economy, and Economy class options to the Nepali market for the first time, replacing the current Boeing 777 operations on the Kathmandu-Bangkok route, the company informed in a statement on Tuesday.

It termed the enhancement ‘a transformative one’ reflecting Thai Air’s unwavering commitment to elevating the travel experience for passengers travelling between Nepal and Thailand, offering superior comfort and cutting-edge amenities.

The newly deployed   Airbus   A330-300   aircraft can accommodate 264 passengers across three distinct service classes, each designed to meet diverse travel preferences and requirements.

Premium economy plus class features 31 premium seats equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and enhanced privacy, providing passengers with an unparalleled level of comfort for long-haul travel. Premium economy class offers 48 spacious seats with increased legroom, enhanced meal service, and priority boarding, bridging the gap between economy and business class travel.

Likewise, economy class maintains Thai’s renowned standards of service with 185 comfortable seats featuring modern entertainment systems, complimentary meals, and attentive cabin service that has made the airline a preferred choice for travelers across the region, according to the company.

“Thai Airways International holds a distinguished position in Nepal's aviation history, having first commenced operations to Kathmandu in December 1968,” read the statement.

It also said that the latest aircraft upgrade reinforces company’s commitment to the Nepal market and demonstrates the airline's confidence in the region's continued growth potential. The timing of this enhancement aligns with Nepal's ongoing efforts to revitalise its tourism industry and strengthen international connectivity.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 November 2025.       

GM of NAC to be selected through open competition

Kathmandu, Oct. 31

The general manager of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is to be selected through an open competition.
A committee has been formed under the coordination of Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Hari Prasad Mainali, to recommend a qualified candidate selected through open competition.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, in her capacity as the minister in charge of the MoCTCA, made the decision to form the committee on Friday.

Captain Kul Bahadur Limbu has been appointed as an expert member of the committee. The Head of the Planning and Administration Division of the Ministry, who is a Joint Secretary, will serve as the Member-Secretary. The committee must recommend a qualified candidate selected through open competition within one month.

Until a new general manager is appointed through open competition, Deputy Director-General Janak Raj Kalakheti, the most senior employee of the Corporation, will serve as Acting General Manager.

Likewise, the Vice-Chairman Bikram Rai will perform the duties of Chairman of the Board of Directors until further arrangements are made, according to Ministry Spokesperson Ram Krishna Lamichhane.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 November 2025.     

FM Dr. Rana urges Vietnam for flights to GBIA, PIA

Kathmandu, Aug. 23

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, to help create conditions for flights from Vietnam to Nepal’s Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport (PIA).

During her courtesy call to VP Vo in Kathmandu on Saturday, she requested Vietnam’s support in the post-2026 context, as Nepal prepares for graduation from the status of Least Developed Country (LDC), according to a statement issued by the FM Dr. Rana's secretariat.

Pointing out that the number of tourists travelling between Nepal and Vietnam had grown significantly in recent years, FM Dr. Rana expressed the view that both countries should seize this opportunity and collaborate in advancing the tourism sector.

VP Vo arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday morning for a 3-day official visit at the invitation of Nepal's VP Ramsahay Prasad Yadav.

Likewise, FM Dr. Rana stressed the need to highlight the cultural ties between the two countries, underlining Buddhism as a strong bond that further deepens relations between the peoples of Nepal and Vietnam. Referring to the large number of Vietnamese citizens who visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, she said that the two countries could work together in the field of promoting cultural tourism.

She also sought Vietnam’s backing for Nepal’s candidacy for membership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029 and for the Economic and Social Council for 2029–2031. In response, Vice President Vo expressed Vietnam’s commitment to support Nepal.

The meeting recalled that Nepal and Vietnam have long extended cooperation and mutual support at both bilateral and multilateral levels, and it was agreed that the two countries should continue to work together on global agendas such as South–South cooperation and climate change.

As members of the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Vice President Vo and FM Dr. Rana said that Nepal and Vietnam are working in unison to safeguard the interests of developing countries.

VP Vo's visit marks the first-ever highest-level engagement from Vietnam to Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 August 2025.  

Shortage of Twin Otters hits flight service to remote districts

Kathmandu, Aug. 22

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey said that a shortage of Twin Otter aircraft flying to the Himalayan and hilly districts is causing disruptions to regular air services.

Speaking at a discussion programme at the Surkhet Airport on Friday regarding the operation of flights to various districts in Karnali, Minister Pandey highlighted this issue.

Responding to questions raised during the discussion, Minister Pandey clarified that the shortage of Twin Otter aircraft has made it difficult to expand services to remote districts. He said, "We will reach a conclusion on whether operations from Surkhet as a base are feasible only after conducting technical discussions with the concerned agencies."

Minister Pandey said that to address the current shortage of Twin Otter aircraft, the ministry has proposed purchasing seven Twin Otters—one for each of the seven provinces. Expressing confidence that new aircraft would be procured transparently and services would b expanded in cooperation with the private sector, Minister Pandey said, "The issue cannot be resolved with just the two Twin Otters currently available to Nepal Airlines. We must add new aircraft with a long-term vision."

Highlighting that although the country has 53 airports, only a limited number of aircraft are currently operating, Minister Pandey said, "Nepal has 53 airports, but the number of Twin Otter aircraft is decreasing. If this continues, life will become even more difficult for the people in remote areas. Except for Humla and Lukla, most other airports have become almost inactive."

A delegation led by Karnali Province Chief Minister, Yam Lal Kandel, had drawn the attention of the federal government to the irregularity of flights operating from Surkhet as a base.

Participants in the discussion stated that air services are vital in the hilly districts of the province, where road networks have only recently been established and geographical challenges remain considerable. Chief Minister Kandel expressed that the provincial government is prepared to cooperate and urged the development of a clear action plan. He emphasised the significance of fulfilling commitments made at the time of obtaining permissions and proposed establishing Surkhet Airport as a ‘Twin Otter hub’.

A representative from Sita Airlines indicated that the absence of sufficient passengers hampers the operation of regular flights. He clarified that while some flights are currently conducted from Surkhet, they are only feasible when adequate demand exists from areas such as Jumla and Simikot.

He called for the provision of special subsidies to facilitate flights to remote districts.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Pradeep Adhikari, stated that there is potential to develop Surkhet Airport into a regional hub. He noted that regular flights to various remote districts could be operated from Surkhet in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and other private entities.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 August 2025.  

PM urged to talk about Nepalgunj-Delhi Flight during his upcoming India visit

Kathmandu, Aug. 11

A request has been made to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to take up the matter regarding the operation of a direct Nepalgunj–New Delhi flight with India.

A delegation from the Nepalgunj–Delhi Flight Pressure Group, comprising people’s representatives and industrialists/businesspeople from Banke and Bardiya, met the Prime Minister at his official residence in Baluwatar on Monday and drew his attention to the matter. They also handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

Tanka Dhami, coordinator of the group and President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Prime Minister Oli, upon receiving the memorandum, expressed a positive stance and assured that he would discuss the issue with the Government of India.

On the occasion, Dhami said the Prime Minister had also sought attention to the extension of Nepalgunj Airport’s runway, land conservation, and related works, and that he appeared very positive about the flight. “I will raise this matter with my Indian counterpart. Let us see what response he will give,” Dhami said quoting Prime Minister Oli.

The delegation said that as Nepalgunj Airport had already been upgraded to meet international standards, it was now time to start the service, and they requested action to that end.

According to them, the Nepalgunj–New Delhi direct flight was essential for establishing Nepalgunj as the 'Gateway to Mansarovar' and pointed out that residents of around 25 districts in Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Lumbini provinces would directly benefit from it.

The airport is capable of serving 600 passengers per hour and that all necessary infrastructure for the flight had already been completed.

Surya Dhakal, Member of the House of Representatives from Banke Constituency 1, who was part of the delegation, said the demand was for the operation of a direct Nepalgunj–New Delhi air service to facilitate air connectivity and promote tourism in 32 districts of western Nepal.

The delegation also met with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, where the latter said that she would make every possible effort to initiate direct flights between Nepalgunj and New Delhi.

“I have already been working to push for this flight for some time. We have placed the Nepalgunj–Delhi flight agenda as a priority. This flight will bring mutual benefits to both Nepal and India, and the more we can enhance connectivity, the more Nepal will benefit. Therefore, I will work towards making this flight happen,” she said, according to a statement issued by her secretariat.

She stated that increased connectivity between Nepal and India would boost tourism, transport, trade, industry, and people-to-people relations, thereby benefiting both sides.

FM Dr. Rana noted that the flight would make a significant contribution to the economy of western Nepal and transform the face of the region. "Nepalgunj already has hotels and other necessary tourism infrastructure in place which make me determined to pursue the Nepalgunj–Delhi flight seriously," she said.

Earlier, on Sunday, the delegation met Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey and urged him for the same. It also organised a large discussion programme at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) office to deliberate on the proposed service and its benefits.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 August 2025.

GBIA, PIA national pride infrastructures

Kathmandu, July 31

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said that Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara Regional International Airport (PIA) should now be recognised as national pride infrastructures.

Speaking during a discussion, organised by the Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee of the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament, on national pride projects under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOCTCA), he said that although the Ministry oversees five major projects, the construction of the two newly built international airports has been completed.

“The country must now acknowledge these projects as symbols of national pride and begin to reap benefits from them,” he added.

Minister Pandey also expressed the government's commitment to advancing work on the master plans of Pashupatinath and Lumbini. He mentioned that although the Nijgadh International Airport project has already been designated a national pride project, its construction remains uncertain.

However, he reaffirmed the necessity of the airport for the country and said the government would move forward with a clear construction and operational modality.

Commenting on the underperformance of GBIA and PIA, Minister Pandey said the problems lay not only in air routes but also in the failure of various government bodies to implement the operational plans already prepared by the government.

After a long hiatus, Minister Pandey also noted that all aircraft belonging to Nepal Airlines are currently in operation, and discussions are underway to add more aircraft to the national carrier’s fleet.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 August 2025.

'Jio Flight' offers easy access to flight bookings

Kathmandu, July 11

To provide consumers with affordable and convenient access to air tickets and related services, Joy Group has launched ‘Jio Flight’ in Nepal. The online platform has been introduced by Joy Group with the aim of offering easy access to travel packages that include flight bookings.

Jio Flight, introduced by Joy Group, is now available for download on both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, the full range of services can be accessed via the company’s website.

Ramesh Paudel, Managing Director of Jio Flight, said that the platform has been launched to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumers, allowing them to purchase flight tickets and travel packages from a single source.

Currently, most platforms offer only flight bookings, and consumers often need to contact representatives for further information. However, with our platform, everything can be understood directly through the app, helping bridge the gap between service providers and consumers," he said.

Paudel added that air tickets purchased through Jio Flight would be more affordable than those available through other platforms. The platform offers both domestic and international flight bookings, as well as religious and business travel packages.

Users can purchase tickets and travel packages online from anywhere, and also access guidance on starting new ventures and managing travel-related services.

With the launch of Jio Flight, the company believes it will contribute to elevating Nepal’s tourism sector to new heights. By incorporating modern technology, the platform aims to address existing gaps in the tourism industry.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 July 2025.   

FM Rana, German counterpart discuss issues of bilateral interest

Kathmandu, July 8

Minster for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held a bilateral meeting with her German counterpart Dr. Johann David Wadephul on Tuesday where the two discussed Nepal-Germany relations, matters of bilateral interest, and a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

FM Dr. Rana recalled that Germany is one of Nepal’s longstanding and major development and trade partners, and expressed her gratitude to the German government and people for their continued support in economic, social, and other sectors, her secretariat informed in a statement.

Emphasising the need to further promote bilateral trade between Nepal and Germany, she called for joint efforts and encouraged stronger networking between the private sectors of both countries. She also invited German investment in Nepal, particularly in areas such as the establishment of a chemical fertiliser plant.

Dr. Rana informed Dr. Wadephul that Nepal is preparing a strategy to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition following its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. She stated that Nepal would require continued support in terms of resources, technology, and financing from Germany, the European Union, and other development partners during this process.

Likewise, mentioning Nepal’s candidacies for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029, the Economic and Social Council for 2029–2031, and the non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2037–2038, FM Dr. Rana requested for Germany's support. In response, Foreign Minister Dr. Wadephul expressed Germany’s commitment to support Nepal in these candidatures.

Minister Dr. Rana also highlighted that although Germany is the second-largest source of European tourists for Nepal and both countries share great potential in tourism, the absence of direct air connectivity has prevented full utilisation of this potential. She therefore urged for the establishment of direct flights between the two countries.

"Due to the inclusion of Nepali airlines on the EU aviation safety list and the resulting flight ban, there have been serious implications for tourism promotion between Nepal and Europe," she said while mentioning that the Government of Nepal has tabled two bills in Parliament for the restructuring of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

The proposed legislation incorporates not only global best practices but also aligns with the recommendations of the EU and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). "Germany, can be a key EU member state, to play a role in lifting the ban on Nepali airlines," said Dr. Rana. In response, Dr. Wadephul assured of full cooperation in this regard.

During the meeting, Dr. Rana also raised the issue of the devastating impacts of climate change in Nepal, highlighting the country’s vulnerability and the severe consequences it is already facing. She expressed Nepal’s hope for Germany’s support in advancing its campaign for climate justice. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 July 2025.   

Prabhu adds H125 helicopter to its fleet

Kathmandu, May 29

Prabhu Helicopter Limited has added a second Airbus H125 helicopter to its fleet. The helicopter, with call sign 9N-ANT, is manufactured by the French aerospace company Airbus.
The H125 model was chosen for its exceptional reliability, safety, and efficiency in operating across Nepal's remote and high-altitude regions, according to Subhash Amatya, Chairman of Prabhu Helicopter.
The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the H125 (AS350 B3e) helicopter is equipped with advanced technology and has a seating capacity for five passengers. Known globally for its excellent performance at high altitudes, the Airbus H125 is widely used and recognised for its versatility and safety.
"The company aims to deliver high operational standards while fully complying with regulatory requirements for services including tourism, emergency medical evacuation, cargo transportation, and humanitarian rescue missions," read the statement.
Following the completion of necessary administrative and technical processes, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has approved the inclusion of the new H125 helicopter in Prabhu Helicopter’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing it to commence commercial operations.
Established a decade ago, and initially operating with a single Robinson helicopter, Prabhu Helicopter expanded its services by adding four more Robinson helicopters.
Five years ago, the company introduced its first Airbus helicopter. Based on extensive operational experience and in response to Nepal’s challenging geography, the company later decided to upgrade its fleet by phasing out all Robinson helicopters in favour of high-performance Airbus models, said the company. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 May 2025. 

A bill to separate aviation regulator and service provider reaches HoR

Kathmandu, Apr. 27

Of the two bills registered in the House of Representatives by the government to separate the aviation regulator and service provider, the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority Bill has progressed through the parliamentary process.

On Sunday, the HoR approved the process for registering amendments to the bill. Members of Parliament will now be able to propose amendments, for which they will have a 72-hour window.

However, the Air Services Authority Bill, the second of the two, has not progressed further in the House following its presentation.

The amendment process was approved based on a proposal by the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey.

The government brought forward the bill to split the current Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two separate entities. The bill was originally registered on February 2 this year. This is the second time the government has introduced the bill in the Parliament.

Earlier, in March 2020, the bill had been registered in the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament and was passed in September 2022. However, as it was still under consideration when the tenure of the HoR expired, it became defunct.

There has long been debate over the need to separate the regulatory and service-providing roles in the aviation sector. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), through its 2009 Universal Safety Audit Programme, had questioned the dual role of the current authority.

Since then, ICAO has consistently recommended the formation of two distinct bodies. The most recent audit in 2022 also advised separating the regulator from the service provider.

The government had initially brought forward the bill five years ago, citing potential conflicts of interest when both functions are housed within a single authority. Despite the National Assembly passing the bill amidst various pressures, the HoR was unable to move the process forward for a long time.

The bill passed by the Upper House on September 17, 2022, became inactive while still under consideration. Nepal has also remained on the European Union’s aviation safety list, which bars Nepali aviation companies from flying in the European sky for an extended period.

Under the proposed bill, the Authority will act as the regulator. It will have the power to issue, renew, suspend, and revoke certificates for service provider organisations. The governing body of the Authority will include the relevant minister. For daily administrative functions, the government will appoint an official of a rank of at least a First Class Gazetted Officer.

Responding to queries raised during the bill’s discussion, Minister Pandey stated that the bill was brought forward to fulfil the responsibility of separating the regulator and the service provider. He said the bill aimed at making the aviation sector more organised and effective.

He also stated that the decision to separate the regulator and service provider functions was based on the government's annual policies and programmes, various ministry-level studies, and ICAO's safety audit recommendations.

“We are preparing to revise the national aviation policy. We’ve also prepared a draft umbrella act. The process of integrating provisions related to insurance payouts for both international and domestic flights into law has also begun,” he said.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 April 2025 (Translated from Narayan Kafle's news on the same topic).        

Myanmar minister stress on direct air link to Nepal

Private sectors want connectivity earliest

 

Kathmandu, Mar. 24

Myanmar's Union Minister for Commerce U Tun Ohn stressed importance to Buddhism linkages between Nepal and Myanmar.

"Significance of Lumbini to Myanmar people is of utmost importance and therefore Nepal is very attractive destination for them. There is a need to establish direct air connectivity between the two countries," he said while speaking at 'Nepal-Myanmar Trade and Tourism Expo 2025' organised by the Embassy of Nepal in Yangon on March 21-22.  

The two governments have already initiated dialogues about the possibility of conducting direct flights from Myanmar to the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa – the gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The two-day event was organised with the slogan 'Coming together for trade and tourism promotion”, the Expo comprised of showcasing of commodities, tourism, and information technologies by participating companies from Nepal and Myanmar, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) informed in a statement.

Ambassador of Nepal to Myanmar, Harishchandra Ghimire said that the Expo is Embassy’s pursuit to enhance and extend Nepal and Myanmar relationship beyond historical religious linkages and to consolidate partnership in potential sectors of trade, tourism, businesses, and people-people relations.

He hailed tourism and IT services as sectors where both countries can collaborate for mutual benefits.

Presidents of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI) and Nepal Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NMCCI) also underlined the potentialities for tourism and IT trade between two countries.

President of NMCCI, Shiva Kumar Agrawal, stated that a direct air link will not only boost tourism but also enhance business exchanges and cultural interactions.

"In this regard, I would like urge the governments of Nepal and Myanmar to take the initiative to operate direct flight between the two countries further," he said.

According to him, Nepal can benefit from Myanmar’s agricultural and natural resources, such as pulses, timber, and edible oils. In return, Nepal’s handicrafts, garments, herbal products, and tea have great demand in Myanmar.

Agrawal said that one of the most promising areas for cooperation is tourism, particularly religious tourism. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a pilgrimage destination for millions of Buddhists worldwide. Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Bouddhanath and Swyambhunath are also world-renowned Buddhism sites.

By promoting direct air connectivity between Myanmar and Lumbini, we can significantly increase the flow of pilgrims and tourists, he said.

Likewise, Kyaw Dewa, Joint Secretary General of UMFCCI, shared glimpse of Nepal-Myanmar trade relations exploring huge potentials in commodity trade particularly pulses and beans from Myanmar to Nepal and medicinal herbs, handicrafts from Nepal to Myanmar.

During the stall visit of more than 50 booths, the Union Minister and other guests showed keen interests on the products and services showcased in the Expo, read the statement. The booths comprised of commodity, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), gems and jewelry, tourism, travels and tours.

The event was supported and participated by NTB, KK Business Group, Kyay O Kyee Petroleum Products Co. Ltd, Myanma Tourism Bank, and IT Partners- Awesome Asia, Info Developers, Onepoint Financial Services, Citytech, Smart Choice Technologies and Diyalo Technologies.  

About 250 guests comprising of Government officials including Chief Minister of Yangon Region, Minister of Economic Affairs of Yangon Region, representatives from UMFCCI, members Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network (MYAWEN), Presidents, Vice Presidents and members of Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA), Myanmar Travel Federation (MTF) and Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association (MTMA), representative from business community, CEOs and CCTOs from banking sectors, members of Nepali community attended the event. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 March 2025.    

Tourism Minister Pandey discusses direct flights from Cambodia

 Kathmandu, Mar. 19

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has held discussions on the potential for establishing a religious tourism network, launching direct flights between Nepal and Cambodia, and collaborating on the development of the Greater Buddha Circuit.

During his visit to Cambodia, Minister Pandey discussed these possibilities during separate meetings on Tuesday with Cambodia’s Minister for Tourism, Hout Hak, and Minister for Culture and Religious Affairs, Chay Borin.

During discussions at Cambodia’s Ministries of Tourism, and Culture and Religious Affairs, Minister Pandey said that cultural and religious similarities could form the basis for future cooperation in developing shared pilgrimage sites and a religious tourism network between the two nations, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal informed in a statement on Wednesday.

He expressed confidence that establishing direct air connectivity between Nepal and Cambodia would significantly facilitate visits by Cambodian religious tourists to Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace.

During the meeting, Minister Pandey talked about the historical ties between Nepal and Cambodia and the importance of bilateral tourism cooperation. “The histories and religious traditions of Cambodia and Nepal are deeply intertwined,” he said.

Recalling that both Nepal and Cambodia have experienced periods of conflict and struggle, he highlighted how Nepal could learn valuable lessons from Cambodia’s post-conflict development progress.

Likewise, Minister Pandey said that major religious sites such as Lumbini, Muktinath, and Janaki Temple in Nepal, along with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, represent shared cultural and spiritual heritage. “Our religious and cultural perspectives reflect remarkable similarities, and we share a common spirit of religious tolerance and harmony,” he maintained.

Both parties engaged in discussions on enhancing religious and cultural tourism partnerships and reached an understanding that the introduction of direct flights between Nepal and Cambodia could significantly improve tourist movement between the two countries.

Discussions were also held on the possibility of collaborating on the Greater Buddha Circuit project as well.

Referring to Cambodia’s construction of the largest airport in the Asia region, Minister Pandey noted that this development would shorten the physical distance between Nepal and Cambodia.

He also mentioned that Nepal has provided special incentives for airlines operating flights to newly built international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, facilitating their operations.

The Cambodian delegation expressed gratitude to Nepal for allocating space in Lumbini for the construction of a Cambodian Stupa. They also emphasised the need to establish a working group at the ambassadorial and administrative levels to identify areas of bilateral cooperation and execution modalities.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 March 2025.    

Tourism entrepreneurs demand removal of VAT on air tickets

 Lalitpur, Mar. 19

Tourism entrepreneurs have suggested the government bring down tax rates and introduce waivers in various products and enterprises in order to revive the industry to pre-COVID-19 status.

Speaking at a pre-budget discussion for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/26 organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) in Lalitpur on Tuesday, they demanded a proactive approach in supporting tourism businesses and promoting destinations in the international markets.

CNI's President, Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, said that the government should remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) on air tickets.

Suggesting to make the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) more competitive, he said, "Due to its weakness, foreign airlines have been taking advantage, making Nepal an expensive destination for tourists. To strengthen the national carrier, it is crucial to implement reforms, expand operations, and bring in a strategic partner to enhance its competitiveness in the international market."

Agrawal said that since the European Union included Nepal in its air safety list in 2013, direct air connectivity with European countries has been severed which has been negatively impacting Nepal’s tourism industry for more than a decade.

The CNI said the Visit Nepal Year campaign should only be launched after the development of appropriate infrastructure.

"Nepal should focus on regional markets, particularly India and China, where Buddhist travellers are predominant, and carry out tourism promotion and marketing campaigns accordingly," said Agrawal.

According to him, to promote domestic tourism, a provision should be introduced allowing a family to deduct up to Rs. 100,000 spent on annual domestic travel from their taxable income. Likewise, tourism leave should be institutionalised.

Likewise, General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Yubika Bhandari, said that as per international standards, the government cannot impose the Value Added Tax (VAT) on air-ticketing. "We are a landlocked country and many areas are still inaccessible by road. In such a situation, imposing VAT on air service can be counterproductive," she said.

The government aims to raise about Rs. 8 billion from the VAT on air ticketing.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives are witnessing a surge in tourist inflow but we are still struggling to meet the pre-COVID-19 targets.

Reform the NAC

Operation and management of the NAC should be made more competitive and at par with international standards by issuing the Initial Public Offering and involving private sector or international expertise in its management, suggested Bhandari.

According to the entrepreneurs, Nepal should begin accepting the local currency of its South Asian neighbours. It will enhance their confidence about making trips to Nepal's tourist destinations.

Radha Krishna Thapa, Executive Director of Airlines Operators' Association of Nepal, demanded a discount on the VAT on aircraft leasing, and VAT waiver on the earnings of foreign currencies by the aviation companies.

Khem Lakai, CEO of the Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education, criticised government's decision to cut down the budget of Himalayan Travel Mart, an effective platform for the promotion of Nepal's tourism destinations and products.

Shiva Adhikari, President of Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), said that some rivers need to be preserved and developed for adventure sports like rafting and canoeing. Haphazard development works, hydroelectricity projects and exploitation of river-based resources have posed a serious challenge to the rafting business affecting thousands of workers.

He said that the Tourist Police should be provided with basic facilities like housing and offices.

 

Revoke VAT on air tickets

Lawmaker Sunita Baral said that the parliament will discuss the issues of tourism entrepreneurs and nudge the government to find solutions to their challenges.

Lawmaker Udaya Shumsher Rana stressed the need to revoke the decision to impose VAT on air ticketing as it has made travel to Nepal more expensive. He also said that structural reforms are required at the NAC.

Bhim Prasad Acharya, Chief of CPN-UML's Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee, said that while hospitality and tourism services in Nepal are comparatively economic, travel to Nepal from various parts of the world is very expensive and cumbersome.

"Therefore, we must have a strong national flag carrier. It can be created as a subsidiary company under the NAC," he said, while expressing his commitment to supporting the industry by pushing their valid demands.

Chairman of the International Relations and Tourism Committee at the House of Representatives, Raj Kishor Yadav, suggested coming up with pragmatic and plausible demands and plans for tourism sector development.

"As the chair of the concerned House Committee, I would like to assure you that if there are any policy-related issues, we will expedite them with utmost priority," he said.

Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, expressed his commitment to take up the agenda put forth by the private sector during the budget-making process.

"Some of the challenges are created due to the implementation of age-old policies and laws. We are in the process of updating them. The Ministry will organise an interaction with the entrepreneurs in this regard," he said.

Singh expressed frustration over the mismanagement of Nepal Airlines Corporation and its failure to procure aircraft and expand the market. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 March 2025.    

FM Dr. Rana urges for Pokhara-Dubai direct flight

Kathmandu, Feb. 15

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has requested the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Economy and Trade of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmad Ali Al Sayegh for direct flights between Dubai and Pokhara.

The two ministers met on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference on Sunday where Minister Sayegh assured that a technical study would be initiated immediately, with a plan to launch flights soon, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in its statement on Sunday.

Their discussions also covered bilateral relations, including labour, tourism, and economic development, as well as collaborative efforts in tackling climate change. Minister Sayegh acknowledged Nepali workers’ significant contributions to the UAE’s socio-economic development.

The two ministers further explored future cooperation in trade, investment and tourism. On the occasion, FM Dr. Rana invited the UAE to participate in the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue to be held in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the conference, FM Dr. Rana held a meeting with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi and requested Qatar’s assistance in facilitating safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national abducted by Hamas in October 2023 during an attack in Israel.

Their discussions also covered bilateral relations, including Qatar’s scholarships for Nepali students and the deployment of skilled technical manpower.

FM Dr. Rana commended Qatar’s role in mediating ceasefires and peace talks between Israel and Hamas and urged them to intensify efforts for Joshi’s release.

Previously, Minister Deuba had also raised this issue in a phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a key mediator in Israel-Hamas negotiations.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 February 2025.  

Foreign Minister Dr. Rana urges India for additional air routes

Kathmandu, Dec. 20

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged India to grant Nepal additional air routes, a demand that the country has long been raising with its southern neighbour.

With the two new international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara and one more in the offing at Nijgadh, the country is in need of enhanced air connectivity.

Speaking at the Indo-Nepal Economic Conference in New Delhi on Friday, she underlined the significance of such cooperation for Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

“We have constructed two international airports in Pokhara and Lumbini, both of which are globally significant destinations. Pokhara is a renowned tourist city while Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. These airports are not only meant to boost tourism but also to enhance overall connectivity. To operate them at full capacity, we require additional air routes,” FM Dr. Rana said elaborating on her demand made with India.

She also appealed to Indian airlines to increase flights to Nepal and assured them of maximum facilitation, including attractive incentives from the Government of Nepal. According to her, these airports will promote not only tourism but also help strengthen people-to-people ties and bilateral relations between the two nations.

 Dr. Rana said that the full operation of these airports, aided by additional air routes, would unlock further tourism potential between Nepal and India while also contributing to South Asia's connectivity. She cited joint initiatives like the Ramayana Circuit and the Buddha Circuit as effective ways to promote religious and cultural tourism and called for collaborative efforts to realise mutual benefits.

The Foreign Minister invited Indian investors to explore Nepal’s vast opportunities while informing that India remains the largest investor in the country. She highlighted Nepal's recent sovereign credit rating of ‘BB-’ as evidence of its investment-friendly environment. The rating is best in South Asia after India.

“Nepal has restructured its policies and enacted numerous laws to improve the investment climate. We are ready to sign bilateral investment agreements with as many countries as possible and offer attractive incentive packages, including tax benefits and export promotions,” said FM Dr. Rana.

She expressed the government's support in guaranteeing the full repatriation of investment earnings.

She also appreciated recent progress in cross-border infrastructure development, especially in the areas of rail links, petroleum pipelines, electricity transmission lines and motorable bridges. She also urged India to ease non-tariff barriers, facilitate border trade, and implement bilateral agreements to ensure balanced trade relations.

FM Dr. Rana acknowledged the breakthrough in cross-border electricity trade. An agreement for it was signed by former Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022. "This agreement set the stage for Nepal to export up to 10,000 MW of electricity to India within a decade. Additionally, a recent tripartite deal has enabled Nepal to sell 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via the Indian grid," she said while adding that the agreement has encouraged hydropower developers to invest in Nepal’s energy sector.

Dr. Rana had reached New Delhi directly from Germany to participate in the conference on Thursday. She will return to Nepal on Monday.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 December 2024.   

FM Dr. Rana urges EU Commissioner to assist in lifting aviation safety restrictions

 Kathmandu, Dec. 12

Foreign Minister of Nepal, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has urged the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, to assist in lifting the EU's aviation safety restrictions on Nepali airlines.

In a meeting between the two in Brussels on Thursday, Dr. Rana raised the difficulties faced by Nepali citizens due to the inability to operate direct flights to Europe and requested the EU's attention to resolve this issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Thursday.

The discussions were focused on Nepal-EU relations, the EU's support for Nepal’s socio-economic development, and the continuation of the bilateral partnership in future.

The meeting coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and the EU which were established in 1974. MoFA said that both sides reflected on this milestone and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation.

FM Dr. Rana highlighted Nepal’s unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law, and human rights, expressing appreciation for the EU's longstanding development support while also thanking the EU for its contributions to Nepal’s socio-economic progress.

She also briefed Commissioner Hoekstra on her recent advocacy at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where she raised concerns about the impacts of climate change on Nepal and called for climate justice.

"She detailed the severe and unprecedented damages Nepal has faced due to climate change and appealed for EU support in addressing these challenges," read the statement. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 December 2024.  

ministers pledge to bring down exorbitant airfare

Kathmandu, Nov. 8

Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) to find solutions to the complexities arising in the aviation sector following the Tribhuvan International Airport Office's decision to reduce airport operation hours.

The TIA Office has decided to cut flight operations by 10 hours a day, shutting flight operations at the TIA to carry out maintenance work.

Following this, foreign airlines have reduced flights to Kathmandu. Citing this as the reason, the airlines have also doubled airfares, exacerbating the issue.

In a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, attended by Labour Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari and Tourism Minister Badri Pandey, FM Dr. Rana called for a study of the latest situation and urged for necessary action to find solutions.

Representatives from the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) submitted a memorandum to Minister Dr. Rana, requesting a resolution to the problem. They informed that foreign airlines had raised fares by more than double, impacting workers travelling abroad for employment.

 Dr. Rana said, “The high ticket prices are certainly affecting Nepali workers bound for foreign employment, and the situation has led to numerous complaints. If airlines are exercising monopoly power, they must be regulated.”

President of NAFEA Rajendra Bhandari and representatives appealed to the minister for diplomatic efforts with India so that Nepali workers use Indian airports temporarily to give relief against the high cost and unavailability of tickets.

Minister Dr. Rana assured that diplomatic measures would be taken if necessary. She highlighted that foreign airlines should not unjustifiably increase fares since Nepal had provided prior notice of airport maintenance about six months ago.

Likewise, Minister Bhandari noted the severe impact on workers and acknowledged the national scope of the issue, pledging to explore solutions.

Minister Pandey stated that the airlines were notified well in advance and therefore should not raise fares arbitrarily. He added that while airport maintenance must continue, alternatives would be sought to address the inconveniences.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 November 2024.