Nepal is undertaking a significant overhaul of its civil aviation authority by splitting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two separate entities. This restructuring aims to enhance the safety and regulation of air travel in a country with a long history of aviation accidents.
The government plans to create one agency dedicated solely to aviation safety and regulation, while another will oversee airports, infrastructure, and aviation services. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel emphasized that this separation will address conflicts of interest and bolster the credibility of safety oversight.
Nepal has experienced at least 380 fatalities in 21 crashes since 2000, involving both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The European Union has also barred Nepal-certified airlines from operating in Europe due to safety concerns. The government has submitted draft bills to parliament to facilitate these changes, with legislative approval expected in several months.
Officials highlight that structural change alone will not suffice; industry training and continuous safety improvement are also priorities. Nepal has submitted a Corrective Action Plan currently under review by the EU, indicating a commitment to improving aviation safety standards.
