Government effortful to remove Nepal’s air space from EU blacklist: PM Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government was determined to make Nepal’s air safety systematic.

Receiving a memorandum submitted by a delegation led by Acting Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dol Prasad Aryal, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that the government was effortful to remove Nepal’s air space from the blacklist of the European Union.

On the occasion, the delegation drew the PM’s attention on various issues including Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) should be serious over the issue and purchase of new aircraft should be transparent.

In response, the Prime Minister shared that he has been carrying out efforts continuously to remove Nepal’s air space from EU’s blacklist, and an environment of trust should be built to remove Nepal’s air space from the blacklist through further reforms.

He further said, “I talked with EU’s representatives on this issue. I also discussed with office-bearers of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and CAAN time and again on this matter. Air safety has become a challenging issue for us.  It can raise questions on Nepal’s image in the international arena. So, I am serious on this matter.”

Stating that some improvements have been made in air safety this time, the PM said although there is a belief that Nepal’s air space could be removed from the blacklist due to this, it was not sufficient.

“Our improvement was not sufficient. Activities should be carried out for further improvement. Your suggestions are important. Initiatives will be taken for a result-oriented outcome after holding further discussion with the regulatory body,” viewed PM Dahal.