Nepali Sky Remains Unsafe as Aviation Reforms Stall, Report Warns

Nepal’s aviation sector is facing renewed criticism after a government committee warned that the country’s skies remain unsafe due to stalled reforms, weak oversight, and poor coordination. Despite years of promises, key structural changes have not been implemented, keeping safety risks dangerously high.

Key Problems Highlighted in the Report

• Poor Regulatory Oversight: Safety regulation and service-provision roles are not clearly separated, creating conflicts of interest.
  
• Institutional Weaknesses: Aviation bodies lack autonomy, expertise, and proper resources to maintain strong oversight.
  
• No Independent Investigation Unit: Nepal still does not have a fully independent air-accident investigation body.
  
• Inefficient Ground Handling: Coordination issues at airports continue to cause delays and safety concerns.
  
• Permitting Delays: Airlines face slow approval processes and bureaucratic hurdles.
  
• Lack of Modern Systems: Weather data management, slot allocation, and operational notices are not handled through advanced systems, affecting safety.
  

Why Reforms Are Delayed

Although reform bills have been drafted including splitting Nepal’s aviation authority into regulatory and service-provider units progress has been painfully slow. Bureaucratic bottlenecks, lack of political will, and weak inter-agency coordination have stalled crucial improvements.

Impact on the Aviation Sector

• Reduced Public Confidence: Frequent accidents and weak oversight have shaken trust among passengers.
  
• Tourism Decline: Safety concerns and rising airfares discourage foreign travelers.
  
• Operational Risks: Airlines face increased costs, scheduling issues, and inconsistent ground services.
  
• International Pressure: Nepal continues to face scrutiny from global aviation bodies urging immediate reforms.
  

Committee Recommendations

• Establish an independent aviation accident investigation agency.
  
• Strengthen the regulatory authority with more autonomy and technical capacity.
  
• Modernize airports with better safety management systems.
  
• Improve coordination between civil aviation, airlines, immigration, customs, and ground services.
  
• Review and simplify fee structures to reduce operational burdens on airlines.
  

Why This Matters

Nepal’s challenging terrain already makes flying difficult. When combined with weak regulation and stalled reforms, the aviation sector becomes even more vulnerable. The report serves as a critical reminder that improving safety is not optional it is urgent and essential for saving lives, supporting tourism, and strengthening Nepal’s global reputation.