Domestic airlines in Nepal have agreed to sell tickets below the approved rates for the upcoming Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals, following a directive from Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The agreement was reached on Thursday during a discussion between the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN), Nepal’s civil aviation regulator, and representatives of internal airline companies.
The decision comes after numerous complaints from passengers regarding arbitrary price hikes during the festive season. Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Khadgaraj Paudel (Ganesh) actively facilitated the discussions, which aim to provide relief to travelers during the peak travel period.
As part of the agreement, airlines will publish clear information about the reduced fare rates on all their sales and distribution platforms. While the exact date of implementation and the specific ‘cheaper’ rates have not yet been disclosed, the move is expected to alleviate the financial burden on passengers.
Background on airfare regulation
The minimum and maximum airfares for domestic flights were initially determined on Mangsir 27, 2073 BS, through a ministerial-level decision by the then-tourism minister. However, recent complaints indicated that airlines were charging fares exceeding these approved limits, prompting the government’s intervention.
Prime Minister Shah’s office stated that his concern over the escalating airfares led Minister Paudel to instruct CAAN to address the issue. CAAN Director General Mukesh Dangol then initiated discussions with airline officials, culminating in Thursday’s agreement.
CAAN’s maximum fare structure and warning
CAAN has publicly set maximum airfares for various domestic routes. For instance, the maximum fare for a Kathmandu-Dhangadhi flight is Rs 17,579, while Kathmandu-Biratnagar is capped at Rs 9,785. Other maximum fares include Kathmandu-Bharatpur at Rs 4,643, Kathmandu-Bhadrapur at Rs 12,112, and Kathmandu-Pokhara at Rs 6,635.
The regulator has instructed airlines, authorized ticket vendors, and travel agencies to sell tickets below these maximum rates. CAAN has also warned that strict action will be taken against any airline, vendor, or agency found charging passengers more than the stipulated maximum fare.
The upcoming Dashain festival begins on Asoj 25 (BS), followed by Tihar from Kartik 21 (BS), and Chhath. These festivals typically see a significant increase in domestic travel, making the regulation of airfares crucial for public convenience.
Uncertainties remain
Despite the agreement, several details remain unclear. The specific date from which the reduced fares will be effective has not been announced, nor have the exact ‘cheaper’ rates been specified. The names of the domestic airline companies that participated in the discussion and their individual commitments have also not been detailed. Further information is needed to assess the full impact of this agreement on passengers and the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms.
