Kathmandu. The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has urged the government to provide relief and concessions to the airlines companies.

Writing a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the association stated that the airline sector is facing a serious economic crisis due to the global coronavirus pandemic, fuel price hike and the international situation. According to the association, the decrease in the number of passengers and the steep increase in operating costs have put the airlines on the verge of collapse.

According to the association, the share of fuel in the total expenditure of airlines has increased from 30-40 percent to 55-60 percent. This has further weakened the financial condition of the companies.

The association has also demanded the government to waive at least 50 percent of the fees. It has also demanded relief in landing, parking, navigation and handling fees.

Likewise, the association has suggested that the service charge currently being levied in US dollars should be determined in Nepali currency. The association believes that this will provide relief to the airlines from the impact of foreign exchange rates.

The association has urged the government to take immediate steps to protect the airline sector and said it would help provide easy, regular and reliable service to the general public.