By Xinhua,
Kathmandu : The Nepali government will soon start regional flights linking to more than 18 destinations in Indian metros, The Himalayan Times reported on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami said, “Nepal will soon launch regional flights from Biratnagar, Jhapa, Lumbini and extend to 18 more destinations of India like Gaya, Patna and other cities.”
“We are also working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to increase foreign investment in the aviation sector according to open sky policy,” Yami said adding that the tourism ministry will get an expanded joint secretary-level office to look after the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, ministry secretary Ramchandra Man Singh said, “Civil aviation needs skilled, trained and enthusiastic personnel willing to dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of air transport.”
Keeping in the view the growth of civil aviation worldwide and the demand of public and private sector, Singh said Nepal has adopted liberal sky policy in the year 1992 and comprehensive civil aviation policy has been reformulated in 2006.
“We are witnessing significant growth of domestic private airlines and expansion of air services in the country. We have granted domestic airlines licenses to fly in the international sector.”
KR Khanal, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, dwelling upon the growth of Nepal in the aspect of human resource development in aviation said, “In the last two decades, international aircraft movement at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has grown by 78 percent and number of passengers by 158 percent. In 1988, 600,000 passengers moved in and out of TIA. The number reached more than 1.6 million in 2007. Domestic traffic and number of passengers have also grown by 378.24 percent and 247 percent, respectively, in the last two decades.”
This year, the International Civil Aviation Day’s theme is “Tomorrow’s Aviation-a-World of Opportunity for Skilled Aviation Personnel.” Nepal became a member of ICAO in 1960.