Duration for ban of international flights extended

KATHAMNDU, May 12: The government has extended the duration of suspension of international flights from Tribhuvan International Airport, country’s sole international airport, till May 31. 

The Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) issued a notice today to inform all airlines companies about the extension of suspension of international flights by more two weeks.

However, the Nepal - India flights to take place under the Air Travel Bubble Agreement is to be continued. 

Earlier, the government had decided to suspend the international flights from the mid-night of May 6 till May 14 bearing in mind the soaring cases of Covid-19. However, a limited number of cargo and rescue flights towards domestic and international services are taking place from TIA. 

The suspension of flights followed the decision to implement the prohibitory order in several parts of the country including the Kathmandu Valley since April 29 to contain the spread of the virus. The prohibitory period has further been extended till May 27. According to TIA Office, the airport Tuesday handled six international flights: three cargo flights, two chartered and one air ambulance service. The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) was among those contributing to the Tuesday international flights as its wide-body aircraft landed at TIA carrying the first batch medical assistance which majorly includes oxygen gas cylinders provided by China to fight the pandemic. 

The TIA office said that four cargo, one travel bubble and one training flight have been scheduled from TIA today.