KATHMANDU: The European Union (EU) has continued its ban on Nepali airlines’ service.

The EU sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and said that its skies are still not open for Nepali aircraft.

The ban remains in effect for the past 10 years.

CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari said that the ban on Nepali aircraft has not been lifted based on the report that was released following the hearing held in Brussels on November 14.

The EU technical team conducted an on-site study and status assessment of the CAAN, the Nepal Airlines Corporation and Shree Airlines in Nepal.

The report pointed out the institutional weaknesses of the Nepal Airlines Corporation and suggested comprehensive reforms in its leadership, procedures and overall system of the corporation.

The NAC has been charged with not complying with the Safety Management System (SMS), not improving the deficiencies pointed out by the CAAN in its annual audit, not improving the quality of the inspection list, serious weaknesses in certainty of flight timings, management of flight documents and implementation of recommendations.

Although the Nepal government’s efforts to get out of the EU blacklist have been appreciated by the report, the political leadership has been urged to play a constructive role.

The EU has expressed its commitment to provide continuous assistance and support for the improvement of Nepal’s air safety.