Dominance of agent or brokers in airlines flying for Nepalgunj- Karnali route have increased and they are converting normal flight to chartered flight hence, increasing the normal airfare. This situation has been creating trouble for normal passengers.
Currently Nepal Airlines, Sita, Tara, Makalu and Summit air operate in this route. Nepalgunj Civil Aviation Authority said they are not in favor of charter flight except for cargo and have urged to increase daily normal flight to Airlines Company. But Sita and Tara have given authority to another party. Civil Aviation chief at the airport claimed that he will do whatever it will take to discourage charter flights and have directed the Airlines company to increase regular flight and also added that the investigations over misuse have been started.
One-way fare from Karnali to Nepalgunj costs from 4500 to 8 thousand rupees. Charter flight costs are not exact like that of normal flight and peoples who have taken normal flight have to wait for almost a week to get their flight.
Tara air have given authority to Raju karki of Visit Karnali in Mugu and Sita airlines have given authority to Manoj Bharati of Simrik air cargo service and Homraj Vam of Visit Rara. Both airlines are operated by other party but states that the charges are not high as there is competition. Tara air information officer Bhimraj Rai states that they are operating the airlines and also states that private airlines can take charter flight.
Peoples and passengers have suffered a lot as they have to wait for weeks to get the flight after taking the ticket. Nepal airlines operate once a week only and is irregular due to which tourist destinations in the area like Rara lake, Shey-phoksundo, Humla etc are facing problems. Along with that people who are ill and have important works rather take roadways means of transport.
