The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has directed all domestic carriers to introduce substantial airfare concessions for senior citizens, marking a discount structure of a minimum of 50% discount for all people who have either crossed the age of seventy or are suffering from disabilities.
The decision was reached in a meeting at CAAN’s headquarters in Kathmandu, chaired by Director General Pradeep Adhikari and attended by the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) and representatives of domestic airlines. The policy’s genesis was CAAN’s stated ambition to enhance accessibility for all citizens in remote areas and reinforce inclusive air travel.
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Discount Structure for Nepali Senior Citizens
CAAN’s directive stipulates that domestic airlines must apply the discount bands based on age, referencing the maximum fare framework established by the Nepali government.
| Passenger Category | Age / Condition | Discount on Domestic Airfares |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizens | 70 and above | 50% |
| Senior Citizens | 75 and above | 70% |
| Senior Citizens | 80 and above | 80% |
| Persons with Disabilities | Any age | Minimum 50% |
It is hoped that the discounted fares are going to increase the number of older people and people with disabilities have greater access to air travel. If the number of senior citizens and people with disabilities traveling through Nepalese airports increase, the aerodromes in the nation might also have to work on being more accessible.
This would see Nepalese airports implement methods to improve accessibility such as:
- Providing wheelchair assistance (to board and deboard the plane) and escorting differently abled people, for instance blind ones to the terminal(s).
- Shuttle buses inside the airport must be able to offer securement systems for passengers with wheelchairs.
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Note that not every airport in Nepal has a shuttle service. Most airports in the Himalayan region of Nepal, such as Lukla for example, or its surrogate airport Phaplu, are really small and do not have shuttle services. Tribhuvan International Airport, which could have been torched during the Gen-Z protests in Nepal, does provide shuttle services, but CAAN is not really clear as to how the services at the airports are going to get better to accommodate older people and/or people with such
Implementation of Discounted Airfare for Nepali Citizens on Domestic Flights
CAAN’s announcement made it clear that airlines must implement the new discounts from the date of the directive, following the meeting held on 19 October 2025 in Kathmandu. Director General Pradeep Adhikari was quoted in My People’s Review as having said:
This decision will ensure that senior citizens and differently abled passengers have greater access to air travel, promoting their mobility and participation in society.
Domestic carriers have been instructed to update their ticketing systems, especially during the festive season in Nepal, when carriers tend to charge four or five times the airfares in non-festive season. Take for example, the Kathmandu – Dhangadhi route, where people can find fares for up to NRs 3500 (approximately $25) for as much as Rs 17,000 (approximately $121).
Following widespread criticism over high and reportedly arbitrary airfares, three airlines serving the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route — Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines — reduced their maximum fare from Rs 17,000 to Rs 12,500, or approximately $90. My Republica
The fare reduction came amid growing public complaints about the cost of domestic air travel, particularly during the holiday period. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has repeatedly urged airlines to maintain reasonable fares, while the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation held discussions with CAAN officials and airline representatives ahead of Dashain to address rising ticket prices and help ensure smoother travel during the peak holiday season.
Looking at a Few Things that Need to be Clarified for Discounted Fares for Senior Citizens in Nepal
Various Airlines in India such as IndiGo & Spicejet offer a concession of 6% to senior citizens. However, this discount applies for bookings made through the company website or mobile application. GoAir’s concession rate is slightly higher at 8%. While the above table shows Air India’s 50% discount to senior citizens, HDFC notes that the carrier provides a 50% discount “on flight booking is only through the airline’s website“.
The bank highlighted two important conditions attached to Air India’s discounted fares for senior citizens. First, the concession applies to the base airfare, while applicable taxes, fees and convenience charges must still be paid separately by the passenger.
The availability of discounted seats is also not guaranteed. According to the bank, Air India determines the number of eligible flights and seats offered under the concession, meaning passengers cannot assume that discounted seats will be available on every flight.
Thes two points might be pertinent in the case of the newly proposed discounted airfares for citizens in Nepal. We don’t quite know if the taxes, fees, and convenience charges over and above the base flight rate are payable by the senior citizen, nor do we know if there is a limit on the number if discounted flights and seats offered.
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