Domestic airline companies of Nepal have agreed to refrain from charging maximum ticket prices for the next three days following public criticism of high fares amid the ongoing natural disasters.
The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) took a decision to this effect during a meeting on Sunday in response to the backlash over excessive ticket prices at a time of crisis.
AOAN President Manoj Karki announced that domestic airlines would offer tickets at reduced rates on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
However, the AOAN has urged the government to consider reducing aviation fuel costs, airport taxes, and landing and parking fees, which, according to Karki, would enable further reductions in airfare.
Earlier, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had called on airlines via social media to either offer discounted tickets or maintain regular rates during the current crisis.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) also requested airlines to avoid inflating ticket prices during the disaster, according to Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer at CAAN.
Meanwhile, many domestic airlines in Nepal have been accused of charging excessive ticket prices during Dashain, taking advantage of the surge in demand as millions of people return to their hometowns for the festival. This practice has drawn significant public criticism.
The airliners argue that an advance booking system for domestic flights allows passengers to purchase tickets at lower prices before peak demand periods. Airlines release tickets in phases, with earlier bookings generally priced lower than those closer to the departure date. (With inputs from RSS)