KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey has called for the removal of the European Union’s ban on Nepal Airlines operating in European skies.
The appeal was made during a meeting on Friday with EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
Highlighting the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nepal and the EU, Minister Pandey expressed gratitude for the EU’s contributions to Nepal’s social and economic development.
“Nepal and the EU have shared close diplomatic ties for nearly five decades,” said Minister Pandey. “The EU has been a key development partner, and we remain thankful for its continued support. I urge the EU to lift the ban on Nepali Airlines as a further gesture of assistance.”
The EU has prohibited Nepali airlines from operating in its airspace since 2013, citing safety concerns. This ban has had a significant impact on Nepal’s tourism industry, which Minister Pandey emphasized in the meeting.
In response, Ambassador Lorenzo acknowledged the challenges the ban poses to Nepali tourism and stressed the importance of technical improvements in Nepal’s aviation sector.
“The EU recognizes the impact of the airspace ban and appreciates Nepal’s ongoing efforts to address aviation safety concerns,” said Ambassador Lorenzo. She also mentioned that French aerospace giant Airbus is ready to provide support to enhance the capacity and safety standards of Nepal’s civil aviation sector.
Ambassador Lorenzo commended the establishment of a high-level investigation committee to probe air crash incidents in Nepal, noting that it reflects Nepal’s commitment to addressing safety concerns.
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