The COVID 19 Pandemic has been the biggest hurdle for the airlines community and tourism. To have a sustainable operating environment for the airlines into Nepal, AOCN has been liasing and coordinating with different authorities and agencies. Ground handling agents, Fuel supplier, Airport Authroity, Civil Aviation authority and different agencies associated with the service provision are being requested for the consideration on the financial aspect in the airlines operation into Nepal. AOCN has been raising this agenda to keep the Nepal market as lucrative for the operating carriers to operate in this dire stage of aviation. This is expected to make travel to Nepal more available to the global community with good connection timing and favorable air fares which will grow the major business sector of Nepal - Tourism. AOCN has been in regular liason with IATA as well to raise this issue to all relevant parties.
AOCN Chairman and General Secretary met Honorable, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Yogesh Bhattarai on 25 Jun 2020 in this regards to the follow up on request for relief package to operating carriers into Nepal. As per request of minimum participation considering the social distancing requirement from minister's office, only two representative from AOCN attended the meeting with the Honorable Minister. The requirement of relief packages to international airlines were highlighted to the Minister in the meeting. It was stated that in absence of this, the possible severe negative impact might be airlines pulling off flight operations which would negatively hit tourism industriy as a whole including hotels, income of CAAN, income of GHA, provided airlines do not find any business justification in operating to KTM airport. The relief package announced timely would help in retaining 29 airlines company operating even in reduced frequency. The data of relief package offered by neighbouring countries to operating airlines were also shared.
The Honorable Minister is positive with the request and has promised of possible result. The agenda will be proposed to the committee for the needful processing. AOCN is hopeful for the positive result.
