In response to concerns over artificial shortages in international air travel, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has formed a task force to conduct a thorough investigation. The task force, chaired by the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary Indu Ghimire, aims to address issues related to ticket availability and pricing in the international flight sector.
The task force includes representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). According to Ramkrishna Lamichhane, the Ministry’s spokesperson and Deputy Secretary, the task force will study the discrepancies between tickets purchased by passengers and those being sold by airlines. It will also investigate potential black market activities, to provide recommendations to the Ministry for further action.
This initiative follows increasing complaints about rising airfares, prompting Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey to instruct airlines to submit their fare details within 24 hours. In compliance with the directive, 11 international airlines have already provided the Ministry with information on ticket prices, availability, and passenger details.
The task force is expected to submit its report soon, based on which the Ministry will take necessary actions to address the concerns and regulate the international air travel sector more effectively.
