The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has directed domestic airlines not to increase ticket prices during Dashain amid growing complaints about soaring airfares during the festival season.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CAAN said airlines had agreed to follow the discounted fare rates established under an agreement reached on December 12, 2016. Under the agreement, airlines are required to offer tickets at prices below the government-approved maximum fares during festivals.
The decision followed intervention by Prime Minister Balendra Shah over complaints of excessive airfare hikes. CAAN also directed airlines to publish information about the discounted fares through their official sales and distribution platforms.
Previously, airlines reportedly charged as much as Rs 22,180 for a one-way Kathmandu–Dhangadhi ticket, exceeding CAAN’s maximum approved fare of Rs 21,600. On normal days, tickets on the route are available for around Rs 10,800.
The high fares have drawn criticism from passengers and consumer rights activists, particularly as floods and landslides have disrupted road transportation and increased demand for domestic flights.
Meanwhile, Buddha Air has urged passengers not to believe misleading screenshots and online content about airfares circulating on social media. The airline said it was offering one-way Kathmandu–Dhangadhi tickets at Rs 10,800, but many flights were already fully booked due to strong demand.
Buddha Air also said it had introduced affordable scheduled and charter flight services to destinations where road travel had become difficult because of flood and landslide damage.
