Nepal contemplates resuming flights to India from October 17

Nepal is likely to resume flights to and from India starting October 17. A proposal in this regard has already been sent by the Civil Aviation Ministry, confirmed an official from Nepal`s COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre.

All flight operations between both the countries had stopped March onwards due to countrywide lockdown in Nepal, following COVID-19 pandemic. It is after seven months that Nepal`s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is contemplating starting flight operations with India.

Joint Secretary of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry Kamal Prasad Bhattarai told the media that resumption of flight operations will begin under strict adherence to health protocols.

"We have proposed resumption of flights from October 17, the proposal has been sent to the CCMC for consideration but we are yet to receive any response. Once they decide over the date we can further sort out the number of flights and permits to be issued," Bhattarai said.

He further added, "The CCMC or the cabinet might also draft a new protocol but as of now, we have proposed the existing protocol, which would also be applicable for people who are arriving from different nations".

The existing protocol in Nepal mandates RT-PCR negative report for COVID-19, not exceeding 72 hours from the time of boarding the plane. Airlines would not be allowed to bring passengers who do not have an RT-PCR report and those with the report in the same flight.

Home quarantine for 14 days would be a must for Nepali citizens arriving from India. While foreigners would be required to stay in seven days quarantine in the hotel.