Paragliding operators halted services on Sunday protesting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s (Caan) attempt to recover outstanding license fees.

Earlier on the day, Caan officials had reached Sarangkot, the paragliding site in the tourist hub of Pokhara, asking the service providers to clear their dues.

“We halted the services after the Caan instructed us not to operate without paying the dues first,” said Shovit Baniya, vice-president of Nepal Air Sports Association. “We do not mean we will not pay the taxes, but we did not like the way the Caan officials treated us.”

Caan issues permits to 107 paragliding pilots so far.

Caan’s administrative officer Kashi Raj Dahal said the pilots have to renew their licenses every 15 days by paying a certain fee. They have pay IRs9,040 every month, or IRs45,200 every year, to continue to hold their licenses. “Earlier, they refused to pay the fee citing the earthquake. And now, we asked them to the pay dues first to fly, they disputed our request,” said Dahal. The entrepreneurs, however, said they were only protesting the Caan officials’ high-handedness. “On one hand, the fees are two high, and on the other they ask us to make frequent payments,” Baniya said, warning they would halt the services until new rules are devised.

After the service was halted, about 150 tourists and pilots who had reached Sarangkot had to return empty-handed.

The operators also held a meeting on Sunday on the issue and decided that they would not resume their services until the license fee is reduced. “The fee is too high, it must be lowered,” complained a pilot Krishna Adhikari.

The adventure sport has been in operation in Pokhara for the past 20 years. Of the registered 50 service providers, 40 are in operation, employing 107 Nepali and 50 foreign pilots.

The operators charge Rs5,500 to Nepalis and Rs8,500 to foreigners for a flight. The sector has seen an investment around Rs420 million.

The halt came the same day Buddha Paragliding started its operations pouring in and investment of Rs10 billion.