Nepal Airlines Suspends International Flights

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Nepal national carrier suspends international flights

KATHMANDU, July 31, 2007 (AFP) - Nepal's troubled national carrier said Tuesday it was suspending all international flights for a week with its only two long-haul planes out of action with technical problems.

"All international flights have been suspended for a week starting Wednesday," a Nepal Airlines spokesman said.

The national carrier has two Boeing 757s it uses for international flights. One is grounded due to technical problems and the other needs to go to Brunei for servicing, the spokesman said.

Nepal Airlines flies to seven international desinations in six countries including India, Japan and China.

The suspension is likely to increase demands for a major shake-up of the airline, long criticised for its dismal service.

"The performance of Nepal Airlines has been questionable for years because of internal politics," commented Prakash Shrestha, the president of the Hotal Association of Nepal.

"With the peace process, the prospects for tourism are promising but Nepal Airlines has not been able to bring more tourists. The company needs to be stengthened and needs to improve its image," Shrestha told AFP.

Tourism is a major source of hard currency for the landlocked and impoverished country, and arrivals have increased by 43 percent following a peace deal last November.

The peace accord saw Maoists call an end to their 10-year insurgency and enter parliament and government.