Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Prasad Adhikari, addressing the parliament meet on Friday, said that Nepal has been removed from the air safety list of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Responding to the queries regarding the nation’s aviation sector during the meet of House of Representatives, Minister Adhikari informed that Nepal has been removed from the air safety list for now. Nepal’s aviation sector was listed on the “significant safety concern” (SSC) in July 2013.

Likewise, Minister Adhikari further informed that the government is working to persuade the European Commission (EC) to lift the order that has barred Nepali airline companies from flying in the skies of major European countries.

During the meet, Minister Adhikari further said that the airfares of the remote areas in the country are yet to be reviewed and the proposed airfare on 2016/17 should be updated.

Similarly, the Civil Aviation Minister further informed the parliament about the construction of Pokhara International Airport adding that the airport would be operational within 2021 and an airplane with 180-seat capacity would be operate.

Also, Minister Adhikari said that works are underway to begin operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport within a year.