In a significant development for Nepal’s civil aviation industry, the Ministry of Finance has approved a draft bill that aims to separate the regulatory and service provider functions within the sector. This bill, which was initially proposed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, is designed to enhance safety and efficiency in the industry.
The bill, which has now moved to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, seeks to address longstanding issues stemming from the current Civil Aviation Act, which combines regulatory and service provider roles within a single body. This consolidation has faced criticism from both domestic and international stakeholders concerned about its impact on safety and service quality.
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has taken an active role in advancing the bill, which had previously been stalled. Recognizing the urgency of the reforms, Minister Pandey has prioritized the bill’s progress, collaborating with former tourism ministers, stakeholders, and soliciting public input to refine the proposal.
Once the Ministry of Law provides its approval, and with the Ministry of Finance’s clearance, the bill will be submitted to Parliament through the Council of Ministers for further consideration. This move marks a crucial step towards modernizing Nepal’s civil aviation sector and addressing the concerns that have been raised over its governance structure.
