Kathmandu: Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister, Badri Pandey, has urged striking cabin crew to refrain from activities that disrupt essential air services, especially during the festive season.

Following the cancellation of two flights to Dubai and Hong Kong due to the strike, Minister Pandey held discussions with representatives of the striking cabin crew and Nepal Airlines officials at the ministry. The strike was initiated by the cabin crew demanding the removal of the 45-year age limit for their service.

During the meeting, Minister Pandey pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously issued two separate orders regarding the employment of flight attendants at Nepal Airlines, but the final decision is yet to be made. He emphasized the need to consult legal experts and the Attorney General to determine whether the regulations can be amended before the court’s final ruling. In the meantime, he urged the cabin crew not to halt air services, especially during the festive and crisis periods.

The cabin crew representatives expressed optimism after the discussion and assured that a final decision would be made today, with the possibility of them returning to work soon.

The Nepal Airlines Cabin Crew Union had filed a petition at the Supreme Court in January 2024, challenging the mandatory retirement age of 45 and alleging discrimination in service benefits. While the case remains unresolved, the airline stopped renewing contracts for cabin crew members aged 45 and above, prompting them to resume their protest on October 2.