Task force formed to study airfare

KATHMANDU, Nov 23: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has formed a task force to study the artificial shortage seen in airplane tickets, and resulting exorbitant prices.     

The task force led by Joint Secretary Indu Ghimire comprises representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.     

According to the Ministry's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Ram Krishna Lamichhane, the task force has been mandated to submit a report as soon as possible after carrying out a study over the air tickets purchased by passengers and the tickets being sold by airlines and the black marketing underway. The task force will submit its recommendation, and the ministry will take necessary decisions based on the suggestions.     

After public complaints about the increased air fares, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey on Wednesday had directed the airlines operating international flights to provide their air fares rates within 24 hours.     

As per the directive, 11 airlines operating international flights to and from Nepal have submitted the prices of tickets sold, ticket availability, and passenger details today, the ministry said.