Nepal slashes international flights by 50pc, impacting both domestic and foreign airlines

KATHMANDU: In a significant development, the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced international flights by up to 50% for airlines operating out of Tribhuvan International Airport. This decision, set to take effect on November 7, 2024, has drawn strong objections from international carriers, with repercussions expected to hit Nepali and foreign passengers alike, as well as Nepal’s outbound aviation sector.

The NCAA cites ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a parallel taxiway, aircraft apron, and parking facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport, as the reason behind the cuts. “We have reduced flights only for those operating more than seven flights per week to ensure smooth operations during the construction phase,” said NCAA spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul.

Among the major airlines affected, Qatar Airways, which currently operates four daily flights, will see its schedule slashed to just two daily flights. Fly Dubai, which operates five daily flights from Dubai, UAE, will also face a reduction to two daily flights, and Air Arabia’s three daily flights from Sharjah will be reduced to one.

Indian Airlines Impacted

India’s national carrier, Air India, which flies 21 weekly flights to New Delhi and four to Kolkata, will have its New Delhi flights reduced to just three daily. The Kolkata flights will remain unaffected. In addition, Indigo Airlines, which flies four times daily, will see half of its flights cut, leaving it with two daily flights, operating one each to Delhi and Mumbai.

Nepali Airlines Face Foreign Cutbacks

The NCAA’s decision has caused reciprocal cuts to Nepali airlines’ international routes. Nepal Airlines Corporation and Himalaya Airlines, both of which operate flights to various international destinations, have had their schedules cut by foreign countries. For example, Himalaya Airlines, which previously operated 14 weekly flights to the UAE, has had its flights drastically reduced to four by the UAE aviation authority.

“This tit-for-tat reduction is creating a serious impact on both domestic and foreign travelers,” commented a tourism entrepreneur. “This move has also worsened the situation for Nepali workers going abroad, particularly in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Malaysia, where millions of Nepali migrants are employed.”

According to the entrepreneur, the NCAA’s reduction of Fly Dubai and Air Arabia flights has resulted in no flights being allocated to Nepal Airlines Corporation for Dubai. Similarly, the sudden reduction of Himalaya Airlines’ weekly flights to the UAE has raised concerns among Nepali workers and travelers.

Concerns Over Migrant Workers

The decision has sparked concerns, particularly for the estimated 600,000 Nepalis working in the UAE, as well as millions more working in Qatar and Malaysia. The reduction in flights is expected to make it more difficult for Nepali workers to travel to and from these countries.

“The NCAA’s decision has already started to impact hundreds of thousands of Nepali workers,” the entrepreneur warned, emphasizing the need for immediate dialogue between the NCAA and affected airlines to find a solution.

Airport Operations to be Curtailed

Beginning November 7, 2024, the operating hours of Tribhuvan International Airport will be reduced. Currently open for 21 hours daily, from 6 AM to 3 AM the following day, the airport will shift to a 14-hour schedule, operating from 6 AM to 10 PM. “We will cut one-third of the flights automatically when the airport operates for only 14 hours,” explained spokesperson Bhul.

Despite the cuts, Bhul reassured that the NCAA has made arrangements to ensure no country is entirely cut off from Nepal. “We have maintained at least one daily flight for all international airlines to ensure uninterrupted connectivity,” he added.

As Nepal’s aviation sector faces one of its most significant reductions in recent history, travelers and airline operators alike are calling for a swift resolution to minimize disruptions and avoid further complications, particularly for the millions of Nepalis working abroad.