Jun 21, Kathmandu- Airline Operators Association of Nepal has announced to close air services across the country from tomorrow (Wednesday).

Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Tuesday, the association decided not to operate its Airplanes and helicopters.

The union has taken this decision against the decision of the government to park 55 airplanes and helicopters of various companies at the designated base airport outside Kathmandu at night.

The union has stated that it will not provide any assistance to the government due to its dissatisfaction with the government's decision.

"We would like to inform you that the regular flights including the emergency rescue provided by all the helicopter and airline companies affiliated to this association have been postponed from June 22, 2022", the association said.

The government has laid the groundwork for parking at airports outside Kathmandu as the pressure of aircrafts is increasing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and capacity is not enough.

According to airport spokesperson Teknath Sitaula, the Tribhuvan International Airport has the capacity to accommodate 17 domestic airplanes. At present, 34 airplanes are being parked.

In order to streamline and strengthen flight safety, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Sunday decided that airlines and helicopter companies should be required to fly on a specified basis.

According to NEA, currently, 30 helicopters of 11 helicopter companies are being operated. Among these, 20 helicopters have to go for night parking at airports outside the valley.

According to NEA spokesperson Jagannath Niraula, this rule will be implemented in the case of helicopters on Tuesday and in the case of ships from June 27.