Kathmandu, July 24: The International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives continued its examination of the Nepal Air Services Authority Bill-2081 BS. Lawmakers advocating amendments emphasized the necessity of a clear policy to ensure safe and reliable air services. Hitraj Pandey suggested that the Civil Aviation Authority Bill and the Nepal Air Services Bill should progress in tandem, as they are closely interrelated. He noted that the current bill lacks emphasis on developing the necessary workforce and domestic training operations to improve air service quality. Pandey also proposed amending the provision allowing a secretary to lead the Authority’s Board, advocating instead for the line minister to assume this role for better management.
Yogesh Bhattarai raised concerns about the increasing number of air crashes in Nepal, highlighting that while the country has 55 airports, not all are operational. He argued for strategic planning to determine future airport needs and suggested focusing on upgrading existing facilities rather than constructing new ones. Bhattarai also pointed to human error and adverse weather as significant factors in air crashes, calling for enhanced meteorological forecasting.
Sumana Shrestha urged that the Bill should clearly define the role of private sector investment in aviation and recommended establishing an independent investigation unit for air crash incidents. Ramkrishna Yadav advocated for a comprehensive restructuring of the air services sector.
