Airlines directed not to open passenger booking to and from Nepal

This undated image shows a building of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Photo: CAAN

The suspension of international flights to and from Tribhuvan International Airport has been extended till May 31 midnight, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). 

The government on May 2 decided to suspend all international flights except flights between Nepal and India under the air bubble arrangement. The suspension of domestic flights came into effect from May 3 midnight (23:59) while the international flights were suspended from May 6 midnight.

During the period of suspension, only two flights have been allowed a week, one flight each by Nepal Airlines and Air India under Air Travel Bubble Arrangement between Nepal and India and will continue taking place. 

However, chartered and rescue flights to and from the country's sole international airport have been allowed to operate on the basis of necessity during this period, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

Due to the existing pandemic situation relating to the new variants of COVID 19 across the world, the Council of Ministers made such decisions so as to prevent and control the disease in the country.

Issuing a notice the CAAN has also directed airlines not to open passenger booking to and from Nepal until further advice and also notified to facilitate refunding of Air Ticket or extension of travel date as required by passengers.