CAAN bans Thai AirAsia flights over unauthorized entry

Kathmandu, October 27 — The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has imposed a ban on all flights operated by Thai AirAsia. This action was taken after the airline entered Nepalese airspace without proper authorization.

According to the CAAN's regulations, the winter season commenced on Sunday, October 27. Airlines flying into Nepal must obtain permission for each season. Gyanendra Bhul, CAAN's information officer, indicated that the enforcement of this ban was necessitated when the airline continued to operate flights on Sunday, despite only having received authorization up until Saturday. Unauthorized entry of foreign aircraft into another country’s airspace is regarded as a highly sensitive matter.

Thai AirAsia had requested permission to operate flights to Bhairahawa. However, since the airline was not prepared to fly to Bhairahawa as per the granted authorization, CAAN had not issued clearance for the new season. Consequently, due to the unauthorized flight operations, punitive measures against the airline became necessary, as stated by Bhul.

Additionally, CAAN has suspended the ticketing operations of Universal Tours and Travels, the airline's General Sales Agent (GSA). Thai AirAsia had been conducting four weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.