A delegation of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) led by President Mr. Khum Bahadur Subedi met with Mr. Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, Joint Secretary at Air Security and Authority Supervision Division, on October 3, 2019 to discuss about Ramecchap – Lukla flight and its impact on tourists and entrepreneurs.

In order to make a hassle-free travel for tourists on Ramecchap – Lukla route, President Subedi underlined the need to focus on infrastructure development in Ramecchap and completely halt Kathmandu- Lukla flights. President Subedi requested Joint Secretary to call a joint meeting between TAAN, Air Security and Authority Supervision Division, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Helicopter Association of Nepal, Airlines Operators Association of Nepal, Ramechhap Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) to coordinate for smooth operation of Ramecchap-Lukla flight.

Senior Vice President Mr. Nabin Trital drew the attention of the Joint Secretary to the unethical practices of airline companies of giving priority and preference to individual online bookings over those handled by trekking companies. “The government must discourage offering seats in Kathmandu-Lukla flights to Free Individual Trekkers,” he said. Underlining the risk involved in night time driving to Ramechhap, Mr. Trital pointed out the requirement for insurance and security for tourists.

Likewise TAAN’s First Vice- President Cholendra Karki expressed concerns about Visit Nepal 2020 campaign especially when tourists regularly face flight delays and severe lack of infrastructures in Ramechhap.

In response to the concerns raised by TAAN, Joint Secretary Lamicchane informed the delegation that the root to most problems lies in the ongoing construction of the Ramecchap airport. He assured the delegation to conduct a joint meeting soon after Dashain to resolve all issues.

The delegation comprised of Senior Vice President Mr. Nabin Trital, First Vice President Mr. Cholendra Bahadur Karki and Second Vice President Mr. Bharat Sapkota.

Source : TAAN