Himal Press 
Tourism Minister Badri Pandey
KATHMANDU: Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey has directed international airlines operating in Nepal to provide airfare details within 24 hours.
During a meeting with representatives of airlines on Wednesday, Minister Pandey criticized international airlines for charging exorbitant fares and directed them to review of ticket prices.
“We provided facilities to airlines because they are serving general people, but this has been misused. Airlines have shown irresponsible attitude by disregarding their responsibilities to the state and the people,” Pandey said.
He directed airlines to submit their ticket pricing details by 4 pm on Thursday and made it clear that the government would take strict action if airlines did not review their ticket pricing.
Pandey specifically warned the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines and Himalayan Airlines about their “unreasonable” fare hikes. He also said airlines have not implemented the five-point agreement reached earlier.
Also speaking on the occasion, Secretary Dr. Ganesh Pandey said the ministry would be compelled to regulate strictly if airlines do not implement their commitments.
Likewise, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Pradeep Adhikari, accused airlines of creating artificial ticket shortages and engaging in black marketing.
