Air travelers face burden of high fares during Dashain
Summary
Air travelers in Nepal face high airfare prices and limited ticket availability during Dashain, with flights booking a month in advance and prices reaching near maximum limits set by authorities. Efforts to control fares continue amid high operational costs and demand.
Key Points
- Airfares during Dashain have surged, with Kathmandu to Dhangadhi flights crossing Rs 17,000 and Kathmandu to Biratnagar costing Rs 9,700.
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) regulates fares but airlines often charge near the maximum limits due to high operational costs and demand.
- About 10,000 people travel daily during Dashain, straining limited flight capacity of around 30 planes on accessible routes.
- Government and industry discussions focus on measures like fare subsidies, fuel tax reductions, and establishing a festive aviation fund to ease fare burdens.
