The supposed lack of accountability for international airlines operating in Nepal, especially when compared to the stringent consumer protection frameworks in the European Union or the United States, stems from a fundamental difference in monitoring priorities. In regions like the EU, regulations such as EC 261 provide a robust Passenger Bill of Rights, which mandates specific financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600 and compulsory facility of food, drinks, and hotel accommodations for delays caused by the airline's operational decisions. Even in the United States, federal rules ensure that if an airline fails to provide service, passengers are entitled to clear statement, rebooking options, and, in the case of cancellations, a full cash refund within a strictly defined timeframe. In difference, while Nepal is a signatory to the Montreal Convention, which governs liability for damages like injury or luggage related issues on international flights, this framework does not extend to the day-to-day service disputes that plague travellers, such as overbooking, unexpected delays, or last-minute flight cancellations.

The Regulatory Gap and Official Mandate

      The primary reason for this inequality is that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) operates under a legal agenda the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act, 2053 that is almost exclusively dedicated to technical safety, reliability, and infrastructure management. CAAN’s mandate is to ensure that aircraft are safe to fly and that airports meet global operational standards. Accordingly, the authority is not currently designed to act as a passenger regulator. When a flight is delayed or cancelled in Nepal, CAAN generally views these incidents as private commercial matters between the traveller and the airline. Furthermore, regulators are often thoughtful about passing lawmaking that would hold airlines strictly liable for all delays, fearing that the unique geographical challenges of flying in the Himalayas where weather patterns can change in an instant and the operational queues at Tribhuvan International Airport could cause smaller, essential airlines to collapse under the weight of frequent financial penalties.

Practical Strategies for Stranded Travelers

      Because of this regulatory blankness, travellers in Nepal must take a proactive, defensive approach to air travel. If a flight is cancelled or you are Denied boarding due to overbooking, it is vital that you do not simply walk away from the airport counter. Instead, politely but firmly demand a written statement from ground staff detailing the specific reason for the interruption, as this document is an absolute requirement for any future insurance claim. Your most effective defence is a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which often covers the costs of new tickets, meals, and accommodations during such troubles. If you booked through a travel agent, utilize them immediately, as they often have better access to an airline's global reservation system and can negotiate rebooking options that might be unavailable to individual passengers at the counter.

Future Reforms and Evolving Passenger Rights

      Contempt the current obstructions, there is a clear movement toward reform. The government is actively working on a new Civil Aviation Act designed to modernize the sector, which aims to incorporate specific provisions for passenger compensation during unforgiveable delays. A critical component of these reforms is the unbundling of CAAN, which would separate its role as a safety regulator from its role as an airport operator. This move is expected to improve official accountability and shift the focus toward better service standards. Furthermore, recent advices from the Supreme Court of Nepal regarding domestic passenger rights suggest that both the judiciary and the administration are increasingly aware of the need to protect travellers. While the transition may be slow, these developments indicate that the aviation landscape in Nepal is moving toward a future where passenger rights are treated with the same importance as technical safety.