Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill will strengthen aviation sector: Pandey

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has clarified that the Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill, 2024, is intended to strengthen aviation systems and ensure safer, more reliable air services, not to divide existing institutions.

Responding to concerns raised during the theoretical discussion on the bill at the House of Representatives on Sunday, Minister Pandey said that the focus of the Bill is on enhancing safety, building a stronger system and improving Nepal’s international aviation image.

“This bill is not about breaking up institutions,” he said. “It focuses on strengthening the system, building skilled human resources, ensuring effective implementation and reinforcing our international reputation.”

Minister Pandey said deliberations on Monday will focus on the establishment of the regulatory body. “Sunday’s discussions will also serve as supplementary input. We face the challenge of making Nepal’s skies more dynamic and secure. We will incorporate necessary amendments based on the suggestions and advice of all honourable members,” he added.

Minister Pandey also said the ministry was preparing to revise the Aviation Policy. “Work is also progressing on a comprehensive ‘umbrella law’ for the aviation sector,” he added.

Pointing to a huge disparity between insurance facilities for international and domestic passengers, Minister Pandey said that a new law is being drafted to address and harmonise insurance provisions. Preparations are also underway to establish a permanent mechanism for aviation accident investigations and institutional memory management, he added.