August 27: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is making preparations to resume regular flights from September.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation as well as CAAN have published the schedule for international flights beginning from September 2. CAAN is making necessary preparations for flight operation safe as per the WHO and ICAO safety protocols.

The ministry on August 26 directed CAAN to resume international flights, including regular and chartered flights. However, public health protocols listed by UN agencies and development partners has to be followed while operating the flights.

CAAN spokesperson Raj Kumar Chhetri informed that the aviation regulatory body has started necessary preparations in coordination with all stakeholders for resuming regular flights.

"The flights are taking place. However, the government has decided to operate daily flights from September 2,” he informed.

CAAN will adopt various safety standards including time gap between each flight as well as limited number of passengers to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

“Airline operators have been preparing their flight plans following the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), World Health Organization (WHO) and CAAN. Airlines also have their own protocols,” Chhetri added.

Currently, only chartered flights are allowed to operate mainly for the repatriation of stranded citizens and to bring medical supplies.