Kathmandu, August 13
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has said helicopter companies could conduct rescue flights during operation hours.
It said the companies were prohibited from conducting commercial flights to remote areas during non-operational hours.
The recent decision of the CAAN mandates airlines to conduct flights to remote areas only within the fixed schedule.
The decision is said to be for mitigating the risk of air incidents during the monsoon season and enhancing flight safety. However, the CAAN has been criticised for the move.
CAAN spokesperson Jagannath Niraula said that the restriction on flights beyond the operating hours is solely applicable during the monsoon period and is not targeted at rescue flights.
“The prohibition is just for commercial flights in remote areas,” said Niraula.
According to CAAN, the operation hour for helicopter companies starts at 6.30 am and ends at 12.30 pm.
