September 16: Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has decided to provide discount to air passengers during the upcoming festive season. Issuing a statement on Sunday, AOAN said that a meeting of the umbrella organization of airline companies of Nepal has decided to provide ten percent discount to air passengers on the occasion of Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.

According to AOAN, the discount will be available from September 29 to November 3 this year.

The statement further says that the discount is applicable on purchase of tickets from the counters of the association’s members during the festive season.

“All the members of the association will sell their tickets at their respective counters at a rate which is 10 percent lower than the normal price (excluding airport tax and fuel surcharge),” reads the statement posted on AOAN’s website.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai welcomed the decision of the airlines operators.

“I welcome the decision of airlines operators association to provide 10 percent discount to the passengers during the festive season. I also expect support from the association in providing 50 percent discount to senior citizens,” tweeted Minister Bhattarai.

Members of the AOAN include Air Dynasty, Buddha Air, Kailash Helicopters, Mountain Helicopters, Saurya Airlines, Sita Air, Summit Air, Yeti Airlines, Altitude Air, Heli Everest, Manang Air, Prabhu Helicopter, Simrik Airlines, Summit Helicopters and Tara Air.

Although the decision of the airlines operators is praiseworthy, stakeholders doubt the availability of tickets during the festive season. Usually, the festive season is marked by a surge in air and bus tickets due to the high demand of people to celebrate the biggest festivals with their family members.