Revive national flag carrier, NAC officials instructed

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 3: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has issued instructions to immediately remove the contract employees at Nepal Airlines Corporation recruited under political influence. 

As the Minister of Tourism, Prime Minister Karki gave this directive on Sunday after calling the members of the corporation's board and management officials to Singha Durbar.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “Why have the Gen Zs shed so much blood? Isn't it for things like ending nepotism, favouritism and discrimination?  On one hand there is a huge movement happening, and on the other hand, people are quickly being recruited. Even as officials retire, they continue to indulge in unfair practices.  How deep does this corruption go?

Prime Minister Karki compared the once-proud institution to its current ‘painful’ state, urging the corporation to eliminate internal corruption without any regard to favouritism or resistance. 

She also emphasised the need to implement the recommendations from previous reports on corporate reforms with a clear plan of action.

During the meeting, Acting Managing Director of NAC, Janakaraj Kalakheti, presented a report revealing that the corporation was facing accumulated losses of over NPR 17 billion.

Prime Minister Karki compared the current state of the corporation to the deteriorating house of a wealthy person, saying, “Looking from the outside, everything seems fine, but inside, the situation is painful.”

Prime Minister Karki also advised not to listen to undue and illegal pressure from any sources. “Politicians will apply pressure. Why are you quickly succumbing to such pressure? Tomorrow, if there are irregularities found, it will be you who should be accountable.”

She said, “If you act according to the law, no one can take action against you. When doing good work, you shouldn’t be afraid of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Don’t sit idly, even if they try to use the Commission as an excuse to tie your hands.”

Prime Minister Karki raised questions regarding the airline’s poor management practices, such as sending its own aircraft’s engine for repairs but not bringing it back and relying on rented engines that resulted in excessive costs. 

“This loss is being borne by the people,” she said, adding that tough decisions need to be made to restore the institution.

She also questioned why the airline, despite receiving significant government resources, continues to operate at a loss, unlike private sector service providers who are generating 

substantial profits. 

“The government has provided ample resources and continues to support it. So, why is this corporation running at a loss? With this money, wouldn’t we have been better off building universities, schools, or hospitals?” she asked.

Bikram Rai, acting chairman of NAC’s board, expressed his commitment to taking bold steps toward improvement, stating, “We need to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular. I am ready to take such decisions and expect the government’s support.”

Responding to Rai’s concern, Prime Minister Karki said, “You must work to reform the institution. The government is firmly behind you.”

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal and other senior officials.