Nepal plans to split its Civil Aviation Authority into two separate agencies to enhance air safety and address conflicts of interest. One entity will focus on safety and regulation, while the other will manage airports and services. This move comes amid ongoing efforts to improve Nepal's aviation safety record, which has been marred by numerous crashes and led to the EU barring Nepali airlines from European airspace.
The restructuring of Nepal's aviation authority is crucial for improving its safety record, which has led to international flight bans and a high number of fatal accidents. Successful implementation could pave the way for Nepali airlines to resume flights to Europe and enhance the country's overall aviation credibility.
Nepal is planning to divide its Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two distinct bodies to bolster air safety, according to a government minister. The proposed restructuring aims to separate the functions of safety oversight from airport management and service provision, addressing a perceived conflict of interest in the current setup.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel stated that the overhaul is part of a broader strategy to enhance aviation safety in the country, which has a history of accidents. Since 2000, Nepal has recorded at least 380 fatalities in 21 crashes involving both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. These safety concerns have led the European Union to prohibit Nepal-certified airlines from operating within European airspace.
Paudel recently presented two draft bills to parliament that would establish the Nepal Air Service Authority (NASA) to take over the service-providing role from CAAN. While analysts suggest the government has the votes to pass the legislation, the new arrangements are not expected to be implemented for several months. In addition to structural changes, Nepal is also focusing on improving industry training and has submitted a Corrective Action Plan to the EU for its review.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.