Minister warns of action against arbitrary airfares

Kathmandu, November 17 — Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has issued a warning to airlines for arbitrarily increasing airfare and exploiting passengers. He stated that the ministry will take action against airlines that violate consumer rights by charging excessive fares. The minister has directed airlines to ensure they only charge fair and reasonable prices.

Passengers have raised complaints that airlines have hiked fares excessively since last Friday, when Tribhuvan International Airport began 10-hour daily closures for airport reconstruction. Minister Pandey mentioned that he has already held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal regarding the matter.

In coordination with the three ministries, a meeting was held with airline operators, instructing them not to overcharge. The ministry has also made a five-point decision, directing travel agencies to stop holding tickets and selling them at inflated prices.

 The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been tasked with implementing these measures. Minister Pandey noted that airfare is gradually returning to its previous levels. Airlines have also been instructed to publish a detailed list showing the sales of both cheap and expensive tickets.

The minister further mentioned that the ministry is working on plans to increase flights to Bhairahawa and expand operations in Pokhara. Currently, five airlines operate from Bhairahawa, and the ministry aims to raise this number to 10. The ministry's plan includes making Bhairahawa a hub for labor-related travel and pilgrims visiting Lumbini, while focusing on tourism-related flights in Pokhara.