National disaster turns into profit opportunity: Airline companies exposed their darker side of corporate opportunism

KATHMANDU: As Nepal grapples with a humanitarian crisis triggered by relentless downpour since Friday, the country’s road network has been crippled by floods and landslides, leaving many regions, including the capital, Kathmandu, completely cut off from the rest of the country. In this dire situation, when air travel has become the only feasible option for those needing to leave or enter Kathmandu, airlines have taken advantage of the crisis by significantly inflating their fares.

While ordinary citizens struggle to navigate the disruption caused by one of the most severe weather conditions in recent years, Nepal’s airline companies have resorted to price gouging, doubling, and even tripling their ticket prices.

This exploitative behavior has sparked widespread outrage, as people feel abandoned by companies that should be stepping up to offer relief in times of crisis.

Price Hikes Amid Crisis: A Case of Greed

Under normal circumstances, the one-way fare for a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar—Nepal’s second-largest city—would be around NPR 5,500. However, since the floodwaters rose and landslides cut off all major highways, airlines have begun charging as much as NPR 10,000 for the same route.

Flights that were once accessible to the general public are now priced out of reach for many. Desperate to reach their families or flee flood-stricken areas, people have no option but to pay these exorbitant fees, a situation that has been labeled by critics as “daylight robbery in the middle of a disaster.”

Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) and airline operators had previously prided themselves on being at the forefront of rescue efforts during emergencies. However, this time, their actions have exposed a darker side of the aviation sector in Nepal—a willingness to exploit a vulnerable public in their moment of greatest need.

Across the Nation: Floods, Landslides, and Isolation

Since Friday morning, continuous downpours have led to landslides and flash floods in over 68 locations across the country, blocking key roads and highways. Some of the most affected routes include the Nagdhunga-Muglin, Muglin-Pokhara, Narayanghat-Muglin, and the BP Highway sections in Kavre and Sindhuli districts. Additionally, the road to the Everest region via Solukhumbu has been completely shut down, making air travel the only possible option for tourists and residents alike.

The road network in the hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal, already fragile due to decades of poor infrastructure development, has been pushed to the brink by the extreme weather. The landslides have wiped out bridges, highways, and rural roads, leaving tens of thousands of people stranded. With the country’s roadways in disrepair, airline companies have seized the opportunity to raise fares under the pretense of high demand.

Increased Fares: A Mockery of Social Responsibility

Amidst this crisis, many expected airlines to act with a sense of corporate social responsibility. Instead, they have opted for pure profit. Nepali citizens, who rely on affordable travel, have been forced to pay double or triple the usual price to escape regions severely impacted by landslides and floods.

According to multiple reports, airlines have increased fares on almost all routes, not just Kathmandu-Biratnagar. Flights to Pokhara, Nepalgunj, and even smaller destinations have seen similar price hikes, despite the severe distress the nation faces.

Public outrage grew as news of the inflated prices spread, with many Nepalis turning to social media to voice their frustrations. “Airlines are looting people in the middle of a disaster,” wrote one user, while another criticized the companies for “exploiting the crisis instead of offering relief.”

As many pointed out, even flight prices during the upcoming Dashain festival—Nepal’s busiest travel season—are more reasonable than those currently being charged in this time of national emergency.

Civil Aviation Authority Steps In

In response to the growing public dissatisfaction, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) summoned airline operators for an emergency meeting. The CAAN stated that it is unacceptable for companies to raise prices during a disaster, noting that the airlines’ actions reflect poorly on the industry’s sense of social responsibility.

“We have summoned the airline operators for an emergency discussion. Many roads are completely blocked due to floods and landslides, leaving air travel as the only option for people to leave Kathmandu or return home. Unfortunately, airlines are taking advantage of the crisis by charging inflated fares. We will intervene and ensure that airlines do not exploit passengers during this difficult time,” said Pradip Adhikari, Director General of CAAN.

However, despite the outrage, airline operators have claimed that the price surge is a result of limited availability. With most tickets sold out days in advance due to the festival rush, the airlines argue that they had no control over the situation. While some experts believe there is some truth to this claim, it is also clear that airlines have failed to show empathy in the face of a national disaster.

Prime Minister’s Appeal and Government Intervention

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also weighed in on the issue, expressing his dismay over the inflated airfares. In a social media post, he urged airlines to reduce their fares and assist travelers during the crisis. “The continuous rainfall and landslides have disrupted road transportation, making air travel the only option for many. Airlines should act responsibly and charge the usual rates or offer discounts during this crisis. The government has also made special provisions for air passengers and rescue flights. Together, we must face this natural disaster,” wrote the Prime Minister.

Although Oli’s statements have resonated with the public, many are skeptical about whether the government will be able to enforce meaningful change. The aviation sector in Nepal has long operated with limited oversight, and without strict regulation, the public fears that airlines will continue to prioritize profit over people.

Airlines accountability !

Nepal is no stranger to natural disasters, and its citizens have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. However, the recent actions of airline companies have exposed the darker side of corporate opportunism during times of crisis. The surge in airfares has added insult to injury for many Nepalis already struggling to cope with landslides, floods, and blocked roadways.

The government must not only intervene to regulate airfares but also hold airlines accountable for their actions. In times of national emergency, the people of Nepal deserve compassion and support, not exploitation.