SATV 12 June, Kathmandu: Nepal's civil aviation sector remains on the European Union (EU) aviation safety blacklist, according to the latest update published on June 3, 2025.
In the biannual review, the EU once again included all airlines registered under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in its list of carriers banned from operating within EU airspace.
Nepali airlines have been blacklisted by the EU since 2013 due to safety concerns, and despite repeated assurances, the government has yet to make sufficient progress to have the ban lifted. The EU updates its list every six months based on airlines’ compliance with international safety standards—primarily those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Being on the EU blacklist prohibits Nepali airlines from flying to any EU member state. This restriction has significantly hindered the international expansion of Nepal Airlines Corporation, the country’s national flag carrier. Currently, Nepal Airlines is not permitted to operate flights to Europe, limiting opportunities for growth and revenue.
The EU blacklist predominantly includes airlines from developing countries, contributing to negative perceptions about the safety standards of these nations. For Nepal, continued inclusion in the list has also had reputational consequences on the international stage.
Successive Nepali governments have pledged to address this issue, often mentioning it in annual budget speeches. However, meaningful progress has been elusive. The current fiscal year’s budget once again includes commitments to reform the aviation sector to meet EU criteria.
As part of the reform efforts, the government has tabled two bills in Parliament aimed at restructuring the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The proposed legislation seeks to separate CAAN’s dual role as both regulator and service provider, a step aligned with global best practices and a key recommendation by the EU and ICAO.
Until tangible reforms are implemented and international safety benchmarks are met, Nepal’s aviation sector is expected to remain excluded from EU skies.
