Nepal Airlines cabin crew return to work after age limit agreement

Kathmandu, October 5 — As Dashain approaches, cabin crew members of Nepal Airlines, who have been protesting against the age limit of 45 years, have returned to work. They decided to suspend their movement after the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation agreed to raise the age limit to 50 years during a discussion on Saturday.

According to Nepal Airlines' regulations, the age limit for flight attendants is set at 45 years, and the crew members have been demanding an increase in this limit.

During today’s discussion, the ministry agreed to initiate the process of amending this regulation. However, since there is an ongoing case in the Supreme Court with an interim order, Minister Badri Pandey stated that they would consult with the Attorney General’s Office before proceeding.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister Pandey mentioned that the cabin crew members raised issues of discrimination, being deprived of various services and benefits, and not being heard. He emphasized that the government took their concerns seriously and worked toward a solution. He also noted that the meeting concluded with the decision to seek advice from the Attorney General's Office regarding the ongoing court case.

He highlighted that with the increase in average life expectancy in Nepal and considering the investments made in various experiences and training, raising the age limit to 50 years would be beneficial. With the ministry's agreement, the flight attendants who participated in the discussions returned to work, showing their commitment to withdraw their protest programs.

The Nepal Airlines Cabin Crew Union had filed a writ in the Supreme Court last December, arguing against the mandatory retirement rule at 45 years and alleging discrimination in service benefits. This case is currently under consideration. The crew members had been on strike since Wednesday, claiming that the corporation was not renewing contracts for those who reached 45 years of age.