Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s main gateway, has faced criticism due to a lack of essential facilities and concerns raised by passengers and officials.
The Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, recently inspected TIA’s domestic terminal to understand challenges faced by passengers, especially during busy periods like festivals. The airport tends to get crowded during these times, and passengers have complained about expensive air tickets and high prices of goods sold at the airport shops.
During the inspection, TIA’s General Manager, Pratap Babu Tiwari, highlighted concerns about costly air tickets and high prices at airport shops. Minister Kirati discussed the issue with airline representatives, resulting in airlines considering reducing fares during festivals to ease financial burdens on travelers.
The Minister emphasized the importance of shops at TIA sticking to Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) for goods sold. This move aims to ensure fair pricing for passengers buying items at the airport.
However, beyond pricing issues, there’s a problem with having only one confectionery shop at TIA. It offers limited options and higher prices, such as small espresso for NPR 200 and various momo dishes ranging from NPR 350 to NPR 400.
The quality and service of the food and beverages at this single shop impact travelers’ experiences. Improving affordability, quality, and service within airport shops is essential for a smoother travel experience.
To solve these concerns, authorities need a comprehensive approach, diversifying shops, ensuring fair pricing, and maintaining high-quality service. This aligns with Nepal’s aim to be a welcoming tourist destination.
Improving facilities at TIA is vital for a better travel experience, making it more appealing for visitors to Nepal.
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