KATHMANDU: Members of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives have called on the government to expedite the passage of two long-pending bills aimed at splitting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into separate regulatory and service-providing entities.

During a committee meeting held Friday at Singha Durbar, members urged immediate advancement of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority Bill and the Nepal Air Service Authority Bill, 2081, emphasizing that the delay is unjustified given the government's prior decision to restructure CAAN.

Committee members argued that combining the roles of regulator and service provider within CAAN creates a conflict of interest, undermining both safety oversight and service delivery. “When the same entity is both judge and operator, neither function is performed effectively,” said one MP.

The lawmakers highlighted that the failure to separate CAAN has been a key reason for the European Union's continued ban on Nepali airlines, which has remained in place since 2013. Despite the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) lifting its safety-related ban in 2017, the European Commission has maintained restrictions, citing weak regulatory reforms and unresolved safety concerns.

The failure to separate CAAN has been a key reason for the European Union's continued ban on Nepali airlines, which has remained in place since 2013. Despite the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) lifting its safety-related ban in 2017, the European Commission has maintained restrictions, citing weak regulatory reforms and unresolved safety concerns.

Some MPs suggested that if the bills cannot be passed through regular legislative procedures, the government should consider introducing them as ordinances to ensure timely implementation. “There’s no reason to delay further,” said a committee member. “The government has already committed to the split—what remains is execution.”

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey agreed that passing the bills is an urgent national priority. He emphasized that the legislation has been prepared in consultation with relevant stakeholders and experts, and is aligned with international aviation standards recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The time to act is now, said Minister Pandey. while adding that these reforms are not only essential for international credibility but also for the safety of Nepali skies.

The committee has scheduled its next meeting for Sunday to continue deliberations on the critical aviation reforms.