The Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) has urged airlines and transportation service providers to provide flexible, affordable, and humanitarian services to passengers and tourists stranded due to the devastating floods and landslides in and around Nepal’s northern border areas.
Rasuwas Floods Disrupt Transportation
In an appeal addressed to all national and international airlines and transportation companies, NATTA said the destructive floods originating from areas around the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa have severely affected Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and surrounding areas.
The floods and landslides have blocked major highways and transportation routes, leaving thousands of passengers, residents and domestic and international tourists stranded. The disruption has particularly affected people travelling to and from border areas, remote destinations and other parts of the country.
Call for Humanitarian Support
NATTA has appealed to service providers to rise above commercial interests during the national disaster and prioritize the safe and convenient movement of stranded passengers and tourists.
The association emphasized that airlines and transportation companies have a crucial humanitarian responsibility at a time when thousands of people are facing difficulties due to disrupted road connectivity.
According to NATTA, cooperation from the private transportation sector can provide significant relief to people affected by the disaster, particularly tourists and passengers who are unable to continue their journeys because of road closures.
Request for Flexible Ticketing and Affordable Fares
NATTA has specifically requested airlines and transportation service providers to facilitate the movement of people stranded across the border and in flood-affected areas.
It has called for necessary simplification of flight and transportation procedures, flexibility in ticket bookings and the provision of services at concessional or affordable rates.
The association has also urged service providers to demonstrate greater sensitivity toward passengers and tourists affected by the disaster and to make necessary arrangements to help them reach safe destinations.
Tourism and Travel Sector Urged to Prioritize Safety
NATTA said the current situation requires collective efforts from the tourism and transportation sectors to ensure the safety and well-being of stranded travellers.
With major road networks disrupted by floods and landslides, air and alternative transportation services are expected to play an important role in assisting those unable to travel by road.
NATTA has therefore called on all airlines and transportation companies to extend maximum cooperation and make humanitarian considerations a priority until normal transportation services are restored in the affected areas.
