Two more flights on Saturday, one each chartered by the governments of France and Germany, will be evacuating more tourists currently stranded in Nepal.

Embassies have asked for permission for chartered flights to take their citizens home as many tourists are having difficulties finding food and supplies during the lockdown.

As Nepal remains under lockdown, many trekkers have been unable to return to Kathmandu.

All passengers, including Nepalis, flying in from Europe, the UK, West Asia, and the Gulf will not be allowed into the country until April 15.

As Everest is free of climbers, this is an opportune moment to employ jobless sherpas and guides to haul trash and bodies off the mountain, mountaineers say.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Bill and Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill will now be sent to the Lower House for deliberation and final passage.

Foreign tourist arrivals are expected to halt completely this week, leading hotels and airlines to look to attract domestic tourists with cut-rate prices.

The hardest hit sectors of the economy are tourism and aviation, which were already reeling from reduced number of visitors and passengers due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The visa suspension will begin March 14 and last until the end of April, depriving Nepal of millions in Everest climbing fees.

Carriers are currently under pressure due to flight cancellations, suspensions and declining airfares.

Customers might be benefiting from low prices but airlines are looking at hard times—even considering layoffs.

The defaulting firms have been told to settle their overdue royalties and taxes totalling Rs 1.57 billion with penalty and interest.

Despite the prime minister’s directive to postpone the tourism campaign, the Tourism Ministry and Nepal Tourism Board have conflicting takes.

The Swiss company, which was supposed to submit a business proposal by March 1, will be developing Nijgadh International Airport on a public-private partnership model.

Nepali nationals have been advised to refrain from non-essential travel to China, South Korea, Iran, Japan and Italy.