Nepal’s domestic airlines have agreed to sell air tickets at prices below the maximum government-approved fares following complaints that passengers are being offered only the highest-priced tickets during major festivals. The agreement was reached during a meeting held at the head office of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on October 8, 2026 (Ashwin 22, 2083), attended by the authority’s Director General and officials and representatives of domestic airline companies.
According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the meeting was convened after complaints that air tickets were available only at maximum fares during periods of high demand, particularly around Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.
Airlines to Publish Fares Clearly on Booking Platforms
Under the agreement, domestic airlines will sell and distribute tickets at fares lower than the approved maximum rates set by a ministerial-level government decision on Mangsir 27, 2073. The airlines have also agreed to clearly display their fares on their respective ticket sales and distribution platforms.
The move is intended to improve fare transparency and make it easier for passengers to identify available ticket prices when booking domestic flights. The ministry issued the notice to inform concerned parties of the agreement reached between CAAN and domestic airline representatives.
Existing Fare Structure to Guide Ticket Sales
The minimum and maximum fares for domestic air services were established through a decision made by the tourism minister on Mangsir 27, 2073. Airlines have agreed to use this approved fare structure as the basis for ticket sales while offering prices below the maximum permitted rates.
The agreement comes as demand for domestic air travel increases during Nepal’s major festive periods, when many people travel to their hometowns and other destinations to celebrate with family. During these periods, lower-priced tickets can become difficult to find, leaving passengers with more expensive options. The latest agreement aims to address complaints about maximum-fare-only availability and encourage airlines to offer lower fares where possible.
Government Seeks Greater Fare Transparency During Festive Travel
By encouraging airlines to offer tickets below the maximum approved fares and publish prices clearly online, the ministry aims to improve passengers’ access to fare information during the busy festive season. The agreement also places emphasis on transparent ticket distribution, allowing travellers to review available prices through airlines’ booking platforms before making travel arrangements.
However, the notice does not specify a new fixed fare for individual routes or require a particular discount. Instead, it establishes an agreement for airlines to sell tickets below the existing approved maximum fares and clearly disclose their prices through their sales platforms.
