India to discuss aviation assistance with Nepal tohelp build three airports
India is scrambling to offer assistance to Nepal in developing its aviation sector, an attempt to counter China’s initiative to help the Himalayan country build three international airports.
The government has invited Nepalese officials to discuss issues including reviving an old plan of the state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build and operate airports in the neighbouring country, officials told.
“Authorities from Nepal are coming to India soon to discuss issue related to AAI,” said a senior aviation ministry official, who did not want to be identified. Nepal had surprised Indian officials at the International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN), held in the first week of December 2016, by informing them that China is providing soft loans and expertise for three international airports in places including Pokhara and Janakpur, which shares its border with Bihar in India.
Another official said that the issues to be discussed with Nepal include Air Traffic Control along with the AAI’s old plan. While the AAI renders ATC services to Nepal, it had earlier planned to build and operate Nepal’s second airport in Kathmandu.
At the bilateral meeting held between the two nations during ICAN, India had offered open skies to Nepal, something that Nepal declined. At the same meeting, Sri Lanka agreed to open skies with India, allowing its carriers to add as many flights as they sought from six key cities in India, including four metros.
News Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
You might also like
Jet Airways adds more Gulf routes
Indian carrier to launch new flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia Jet Airways will expand its Gulf operations in August with the launch of new flights to Saudi Arabia and
Caesars Palace Dubai appoints One Rep Global as India representative
One Rep Global is delighted to announce its collaboration with the iconic Caesars Palace Dubai as their India representation partner. The UAE has become and continues to grow a key
Taj invites you to soak up the musical roots of Rajasthan
Experience the confluence of folk and world music at the Jodhpur RIFF from 24-28 October 2018 This October, make your way to the blue city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan to experience