EU expands aviation safety partnership with Nepal

The European Union is deepening its aviation safety cooperation with Nepal and the wider South Asian region through two new initiatives in Kathmandu. These programs, part of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project, aim to bolster aviation safety by enhancing collaboration among regulators, airlines, industry representatives, and technical experts.

Over the next two weeks, aviation stakeholders from across South Asia will gather in Kathmandu. They will share experiences, build professional networks, and identify practical measures to elevate aviation safety standards. A key event, the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), is being hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) from June 23 to 25. This module, jointly organized with aircraft manufacturer ATR, focuses on crew training and operational standards, including decision-making and fatigue management.

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Air safety is clearly a priority for the Government of Nepal, and we have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech, aiming to address the concerns of the European Commission.

Thomas Millar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, emphasized that air safety is a priority for Nepal. He noted the Finance Minister's budget speech remarks addressing concerns from the European Commission and welcomed Nepal's submission of its Corrective Action Plan. "The European Union and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve," Millar stated.

Kathmandu will also host a regulatory update and continuing airworthiness workshop from June 29 to July 2 under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). This workshop will review recent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, assisting authorities and industry stakeholders in adapting to evolving international standards. The initiative encourages regional airlines to share operational experiences and lessons learned, promoting practical and sustainable approaches to air safety improvement.

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The European Union and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve.