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In July, just two months ahead of the scheduled safety audit by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Nepal's aviation system, the Tourism Ministry forwarded draft civil aviation bills to the cabinet, seeking its 'approval in principle' to present it in Parliament.
The intent was clear – passing these bills would establish an independent regulator and potentially remove Nepal from the air safety list, which has severely impacted the country's tourism sector, earning it a reputation for poor aviation safety.
The draft bills, previously approved by the upper house and later dropped by the lower house after a change in government, faced an abrupt halt under the administration of Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
These crucial aviation bills, namely the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Bill and the Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill, aimed to bifurcate Nepal's aviation body into two distinct entities – a service provider and a regulator – a prerequisite for removal from the air safety list.
Despite assurances from Pradip Adhikari, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, that the European Commission (EC) would lift the ban, the EC decided to prolong the ban on Nepali airlines through an updated "EU Air Safety List."
The decision, reached by member states' aviation safety experts during a meeting in Brussels, marked Nepal's 11th consecutive year on the EC's air safety blacklist.
This prolonged ban underscores the negligence resulting from a perceived corrupt system, according to insiders, with potential repercussions for Nepal's tourism industry.
While the EC acknowledged proactive efforts by the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) to enhance safety oversight, it expressed ongoing concerns about CAAN's current capacity to meet international safety standards.
Experts argue that the EC's focus on CAAN's capacity highlights broader concerns about the regulator's effectiveness, shifting blame from airlines to regulatory shortcomings.
For over 15 years, global aviation watchdogs have advocated for the separation of Nepal's civil aviation body into distinct service provider and regulatory entities to enhance flyer safety. However, the government has shown no interest, causing detrimental effects on Nepal's aviation sector.
Efforts to advance the bills were obstructed at various stages, with delays in the Cabinet and the prime minister's office. Sanjiv Gautam, former director general of CAAN, holds the prime minister responsible for hindering the bills' passage.
The EC's decision to maintain the ban is attributed to persistent safety concerns identified during an assessment visit to Nepal in September. Although CAAN is urged to develop corrective action plans, concerns about the current capacity remain.
Questions about Nepal Airlines, CAAN, and Shree Airlines prompt the EC to call for a "substantial overhauling."
Despite repeated recommendations from global aviation watchdogs, Nepal's failure to implement reforms led the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to formally request the separation of the civil aviation body into two entities.
Insiders reveal political motives to prevent the bills from becoming law, suggesting that separation would jeopardize the benefits enjoyed by top position holders under the existing system.
The ongoing struggle to enact organizational reforms underscores a larger issue impacting Nepal's aviation sector, prompting concerns about safety, accountability, and the future of the country's air travel industry.
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