Politics · Singapore Bureau
Nepal to split aviation regulator in bid to boost air safety
Nepal's government plans to divide its Civil Aviation Authority into two separate agencies as part of efforts to improve aviation safety standards. The restructuring comes as the Himalayan nation seeks to address a persistent record of aircraft accidents.
LSN Singapore ·
Nepal intends to partition the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into distinct regulatory and operational bodies, according to a government minister who announced the plan on Tuesday. The proposed split aims to strengthen oversight and enforcement of safety protocols across the country's aviation sector.
The restructuring reflects ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Nepal, which has experienced numerous fatal crashes over the past two decades. Industry analysts have pointed to inadequate regulation, maintenance standards, and pilot training as contributing factors to accidents in the region.
By separating regulatory functions from operational management, officials believe the new structure will enable more effective monitoring of airlines and airports. The move also seeks to align Nepal's aviation governance with international best practices and standards set by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The government has not yet provided specific timelines for implementing the administrative overhaul. Nepal's aviation sector has grown significantly in recent years, with increased domestic and international flights serving the country's tourism industry and regional connectivity.