The All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) has urged Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister, Badri Pandey, to take immediate action to regulate and make airfares affordable in light of recent uncontrolled price hikes. A delegation led by the Acting President of ANNFSU, Govinda Giri, submitted a memorandum to the minister at his office in Singha Durbar, drawing attention to the issue.
The memorandum pointed out that the recent floods and landslides across Nepal have severely disrupted both major and minor highways, creating a surge in air travel demand. The sudden and significant increase in airfares has put a strain on the general public, with complaints surfacing on social media and in the media.
ANNFSU has called for scientific control, regulation, and adjustment of airfare prices. The union also demanded an impartial investigation and strict legal action against those involved in black market practices and unfair price hikes during this disaster.
Additionally, the student union requested the implementation of policies for student discounts on air travel, effective regulation of airlines, and improved management of Nepal Airlines.
In response to receiving the memorandum, Minister Pandey acknowledged the concerns raised by the union. He assured that directives have already been issued to prevent airlines from charging higher fares during festivals and disasters. The minister also committed to ensuring that airfares will not be increased under any circumstances and expressed a commitment to fulfilling the union’s demands.
