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.
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.
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 fares have ranged from 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.
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.
How Nepal’s New Policy Compares to India’s Senior Citizen Discounts
For context, several South Asian carriers already offer their own senior-citizen concessions, though typically at far lower rates than Nepal’s new directive.
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%. Air India, by contrast, offers a discount as high as 50% — matching the entry-level tier of Nepal’s own new policy — though HDFC notes that this discount applies only when booking is made through the airline’s own 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.
CAAN’s directive leaves some practical questions that passengers will need clarified, including whether the percentage discount applies only to the base fare or to the total ticket price, and whether airlines will impose limits on discounted seats.
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