Nepal's Airlines Agree to Cut Domestic Fares After Government Pressure
Following government intervention, Nepali airlines have agreed to reduce domestic ticket prices during the Dashain festival, capping fares at December 2016 levels. The move comes after public outrage over exorbitant airfares, particularly on routes like Kathmandu–Dhangadhi, where prices had soared to Rs 22,180 one-way.
KATHMANDU, Oct 8 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has barred domestic airlines from raising ticket fares during Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival, following growing public complaints about price hikes during the festive season.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the CAAN said it held a meeting with representatives and office bearers of the airline companies, directing them not to increase ticket rates. The airlines agreed to implement the fare structure set on December 12, 2016, under which they committed to selling tickets at rates lower than the government-approved maximum during festivals. On that date, minimum and maximum fares for domestic air services were determined through a ministerial-level decision.
The CAAN's action came after intervention from Prime Minister Balen Shah. Under the agreement, airlines are required to publish information about discounted fares through their official sales and distribution platforms.
Fares Soar on Key Routes
Previously, airlines had set a one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi as high as Rs 22,180, while the CAAN-fixed maximum rate on the route is Rs 21,600. On normal days, passengers could obtain tickets for around Rs 10,800. Airlines have cited ticket shortages amid rising demand as the reason behind the surge.
The airfare for the Kathmandu–Dhangadhi trip is even higher than flight costs to several Indian cities. A Kathmandu–Delhi ticket is available for around Rs 12,511, while a flight to Banaras costs only around Rs 17,000.
These steep domestic fares have raised serious questions about airfare pricing and the burden placed on travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The general public and consumer rights activists have blamed the airlines for taking undue advantage of the situation.
Public Outcry and Airline Response
Expressing dissatisfaction over the excessive hike, many social media users voiced complaints against domestic airlines. "Rather than going directly to Dhangadhi from Kathmandu, I prefer to choose Kathmandu–Delhi by air and come back on a bus to Dhangadhi. Travel costs along this route will be much cheaper for me," wrote Rakesh Pariyar in an ironic post.
Meanwhile, Buddha Air has urged passengers not to be misled by deceptive screenshots and content regarding airfares—created using Photoshop and AI—that have been circulating on social media and certain online news outlets.
In a press release, Buddha Air clarified that, in light of the disaster situation, it has been offering one-way flights to Dhangadhi at a fare of Rs 10,800. The company stated that, due to the availability of tickets at this minimum rate, most flights are already fully booked.
Noting the prolonged disruption of road transport caused by extensive damage to highways from floods and landslides, Buddha Air stated that it had announced and implemented a plan to provide convenient and affordable air services—including charter flights and scheduled services at minimum fares—to destinations where road travel is difficult.