Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, has committed to addressing the existing challenges of Nepal Airlines and implementing long-term solutions to improve the national carrier. Speaking at a press conference marking 100 days of the government’s formation, Minister Pandey outlined several achievements and initiatives undertaken by the ministry.
The minister emphasized that efforts have been initiated to resolve Nepal Airlines’ ongoing issues and provide reliable services. A comprehensive study of the country’s civil aviation sector has been conducted, and a committee has been formed to ensure safe and trustworthy services.
Key legislative advancements include the submission of bills to the Federal Parliament to separate the regulatory and service functions of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). These include a bill to reform CAAN and another to establish an Air Service Authority.
Minister Pandey also highlighted progress in facilitating international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport, with Jazeera Airways set to operate three weekly flights from November 9, 2024, and FlyDubai offering daily flights.
Additionally, a draft bill to adjust the liability and insurance arrangements for airlines is under review, and changes have been made to allow passengers to change flight dates without extra fees if ground transport services are disrupted.
In other significant updates, bilateral air service agreements are being amended with France, and negotiations are underway with Indonesia. An investigation commission has been formed to probe the recent Saurya Airlines accident, and preliminary recommendations are already being implemented.
In the tourism sector, a bill has been submitted to the cabinet for approval, alongside revisions to the Casino and Mountaineering Regulations. Fifty-seven additional peaks between 5,800 and 6,500 meters have been opened for climbing, with mountain expeditions and hotel management services now accessible online.
Further achievements include the completion of an additional 5 kilometers of the Great Himalayan Trail and the rescue of around 200 tourists facing emergencies during mountaineering and trekking expeditions.
In the cultural sector, diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate a stolen statue of Dhyani Buddha from the U.S., while the Padmapani Lokeshwar statue, stolen from Thamel’s Shankar Kirti Monastery, has been restored to its original location.
Minister Pandey also informed that drafts of the Federal Language Bill, Museum Bill, and amendments to the Pashupati Area Development Trust Act are progressing, with various other cultural preservation efforts moving forward.
Source: RSS
