INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS RESUME IN NEPAL TOMORROW
The Government of Nepal is set to resume all the international passenger and charter flights from 2nd September 2020 after lifting off almost 5 months-long restrictions. The Nepali international carriers and foreign airlines operating in Nepal can resume their operations tomorrow however, the flight frequency is limited and airlines have to wait for their schedule as specified by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
Domestic airlines are required to wait for more as the government has suspended internal flights till 16th September 2020. The government has taken this decision as the domestic airports of Nepal need to be equipped with necessary health facilities, guidelines which may take some time. Besides, the Coronavirus cases are increasing day by day across the country.
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Himalaya Airlines will operate international flights to various destinations whereas foreign airlines including Malindo, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Malaysia Airlines, Air China, Air Arabia, and Cathay Dragon will operate flights from their origin to Kathmandu.
Airline operators of Nepal pleaded with the concerned authorities to resume flights maintaining all the guidelines introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Airline Operators Association said it would protest for the resumption in case the government lengthens the suspension.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) released a notice on 25 August 2020 informing the resumption of all international, and charter flights from 2nd September. The ministry has published all the instructions, guidelines, flight schedules, and other required information on resuming the flights with strict safety measures. All the airlines, airport staff, and related aviation organization must follow all the guidelines strictly after flights resume in Nepal.
Following are the guidelines to be implemented after flights resume in Nepal
These guidelines are required to be implemented and followed wisely after flights resume in Nepal.
- Airlines are allowed to provide boarding pass and carry only those passengers who hold PCR Negative reports with a validity of 72 hours before the flight.
- All the passengers with PCR Negative Result must spend 14 days quarantine period in their home after arriving in Nepal. The concerned authority and the Local Covid-19 Crisis Management Center (LCCMC) will monitor and manage a safe environment for the arriving passengers. Besides, passengers must inform their health status to their respective authorities.
- PCR Negative passengers must fill up form via the Covid-19 Crisis Management Center’s official website (www.ccmc.gov.np) before boarding the aircraft. The website will generate a barcode after validating the PCR report and the passengers must bring the printed copy. In case of missing the form procedure, the airline must assist the passengers by providing for while boarding the flight.
- Airlines are not allowed to carry passengers who don’t hold the PCR test reports. If it is found then the airline company must bear all the cost for 7 days hotel quarantine. Besides, the MoCTCA will penalize such airlines as per the existing law.
- Airline operators are only allowed to carry Nepali passengers, Nepali Diplomats, United Nations Staff, Development Partner companies’ staff, and their family members. For carrying passengers other than Nepali citizens, airlines must get the approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate Department and passport must be validated.
- Airline and airport authority must follow all the health guidelines, instructions, and rules introduced by the Ministry of Health and Population.
- Passengers can find the quarantine hotels approved by the District Covid-19 Crisis Management Center (DCCMC) through the official website of tourism department (www. tourismdepartment.gov.np) and District Administration Office (www.daokathmandu.moha.gov.np)
Regular Flight Schedule after 1st September
Charter Flights Schedule
NEPAL AIRLINES FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Himalaya Airlines Flight Schedule
List of UN Specialized Agencies and Development Partners
Current scenario of COVID-19 in Nepal
The Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly in Nepal with 16,785 active cases and 207 deaths. As per the latest statistics, 20, 555 cases have been recovered however, there is a high growth rate daily. The capital city Kathmandu is encountering a huge number of cases recently due to which the prohibitory order has been implemented.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation can anytime suspend the flights after resumption if the government instructs to do so. In that case, the information will be immediately dispatched to all the concerned departments.
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