A high-level meeting took place today at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to address concerns over air ticket availability and the accessibility of air transportation amid current daily 10-hour airport closures for taxiway construction. Attending the session were key officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the General Manager of TIA, CAAN officials, and representatives from domestic and international airlines operating in Nepal.
The meeting concluded with several significant decisions, as outlined below, aimed at ensuring transparent and fair ticketing practices and protecting consumer rights:
Termination of Bulk Ticket Sale Agreements (TBA): All airline operators are to immediately abolish the current practice of bulk ticket sales to travel agencies, which previously granted agencies the right to sell tickets in bulk at their discretion. This decision mandates that all airlines adhere strictly to individual ticketing practices to improve availability and transparency for consumers.
Fair Pricing Enforcement: In line with bilateral air service agreements, all airlines must abide by the provision prohibiting “unreasonable fare practices that would adversely impact consumers.” This regulation aims to prevent overpricing and ensure consumers are not subjected to unfair airfare hikes.
Transparent Fare Structure and Public Disclosure: Airlines are now required to establish and publicly share a structured fare schedule aligned with flight routes. Furthermore, airlines must cap the number of tickets sold through travel agencies and ensure that only specified service charges are applied within an agreed pricing framework, enhancing transparency for passengers.
Price Adherence and Consumer Rights Protection: Airlines must maintain the established fare rates, taking responsibility for upholding the agreed pricing structure. They are also expected to operate in a manner that safeguards consumer rights, promoting a fair travel environment.
Complaint Resolution Mechanism: CAAN has set up a dedicated contact point for grievances related to fare practices. Consumers experiencing issues can reach out to CAAN’s Senior Officer, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, via mobile at 9842170729 for further assistance.
These decisions mark a decisive step by CAAN and relevant stakeholders to streamline air travel operations at TIA while prioritizing consumer rights and fare transparency amid ongoing airport renovations.
