Supreme Court Mandates Himalaya Airlines’ Self-Ground Handling Operations at TIA

The Supreme Court of Nepal has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to permit Himalaya Airlines to autonomously carry out ground handling operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. A division bench, comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Binod Sharma, issued a mandamus order to both CAAN and TIA Civil Aviation Office on Friday.

The court’s decision is based on the Ground Handling Regulations of 2016, which stipulate that airlines conducting at least 35 flights a week are entitled to self-conduct ground handling operations at TIA. Notably, CAAN had originally granted a license to Himalayan Airlines for self-conducting ground handling services on September 25, 2020. However, the license was subsequently revoked following the directive of then-tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai.

Himalaya Airlines took the matter to the apex court, challenging CAAN’s decision on February 16, 2023. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court reinstates the airline’s right to self-conduct ground handling operations at TIA.

Established in 2014, Himalaya Airlines is a joint venture between Tibetan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Company Ltd of China and Yeti World Investment Pvt Ltd of Nepal. The airline operates scheduled flights to a diverse range of destinations, including cities in China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Thailand. The fleet of Himalaya Airlines comprises four Airbus A319 and A320 family aircraft.

This decision by the Supreme Court is expected to have a positive impact on Himalaya Airlines’ operations at TIA, providing the airline with autonomy in ground handling services and potentially contributing to enhanced efficiency and service quality.