Domestic Airlines Agree to Reduce Air Fare

KATHMANDU- Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has held discussions with domestic airlines following public complaints about rising airfares ahead of the festive season, with carriers agreeing to sell tickets below approved fare rates.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the discussions were held under the direction of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and with the initiative of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadkaraj Paudel, also known as Ganesh.

The authority called representatives of domestic airlines for talks following complaints that airfares had increased as major festivals approached.

During the meeting, CAAN and domestic airlines agreed to sell and distribute tickets at prices lower than the approved fares. They also agreed to publish fare information on their respective sales and distribution platforms so passengers can check prices before purchasing tickets, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Nepal has a prescribed minimum and maximum fare structure for domestic air services. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the fare framework was established through a ministerial-level decision on November 13, 2015 (27 Mangsir 2072 in the Nepali calendar).

Passengers have frequently complained about steep increases in domestic air ticket prices during festive periods.

Following the latest discussions, airlines have agreed to make tickets available below the approved fare rates and disclose fare information through their sales platforms.