The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has decided to allow international airlines flying to and from Kathmandu to operate additional flights during 2011. Sources at Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation - MoTCA said the decision was taken on Jan 13, keeping in view rise in air traffic during to Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.
Sources said carriers can increased their frequency by up to seven flights a week. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) will issue Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) to airlines to operate additional flights. The permit will be valid till the end of 2011. However, carriers can operate additional flights only during lean hours.
MoTCA has also directed CAAN to relay the information to all 36 countries that have signed Air Service Agreement (ASA) with Nepal.
Nepal has signed ASAs with 36 countries. At present, 27 international airlines are operating flights to Nepal.
The government has set a target of welcoming one million visitors in 2011. It is targeting at least 700,000 arrivals via air.