Decision to close domestic flights unacceptable: CAAN

June 22, Kathmandu: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has made it clear that the forceful act of the airline companies to close the domestic flights from Wednesday was not acceptable.

CAAN had decided to shift Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)-based parking space for helicopters and aircraft to outside the Kathmandu Valley.

As per the decision, helicopters and aircraft will be sent out of Kathmandu for night-stop parking and they are required to operate the first flight of the day from the base airport (stop area).

Organizing a news conference on Tuesday, the CAAN urged the airline companies not to suspend their flights stating that such decisions were taken to lessen the existing pressure on Tribhuvan International Airport and strengthen aviation safety.

Director-General of CAAN Pradip Adhikari urges the airline companies to be responsible for public service. “The entrepreneurs should be responsible in a sensitive issue like aviation service,” Adhikari said.

“The CAAN will not remain mute if people suffered from the strike,” Director General Adhikari added.

The airline companies had warned of a nationwide strike if the decisions were not overturned.