Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal (BARN) BARN Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal

BARN Participates in Strategic Dialogue on Middle East Crisis and Nepal’s Tourism

April 9, 2026 / Barn Official

9 April 2026 | Kathmandu

The Board of Airline Representatives in Nepal (BARN) participated in a high-level interaction programme organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) under the theme “Middle East Crisis and its Impact on Nepal’s Tourism” at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel.

The programme brought together representatives from the Government of Nepal, international airlines, tourism and travel trade associations, and other industry stakeholders to assess the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors and explore coordinated measures to mitigate emerging challenges.

The discussions highlighted the significant role of the Middle East as a major transit hub for Nepal, particularly for travellers connecting from Europe and North America. Disruptions affecting major hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have resulted in flight rerouting, increased airfares and booking cancellations, with potential implications for Nepal’s peak tourism season and the wider tourism value chain.

Key Areas of Discussion

The interaction focused on a number of strategic measures, including:

  • Diversification of Air Connectivity: Exploring alternative transit options through Istanbul, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi and Colombo.
  • Strengthening Alternative Markets: Expanding tourism promotion in emerging and regional markets, particularly India, China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
  • Enhancing Air Connectivity: Exploring new and strengthened routes to improve Nepal’s international aviation capacity and reduce dependence on individual transit hubs.
  • Crisis Communication: Ensuring timely, accurate and coordinated communication to international travellers and reinforcing Nepal’s image as a safe and resilient destination.
  • Flexible Travel Arrangements: Encouraging adaptable booking policies and revised travel itineraries in response to changing international flight conditions.
  • Government–Industry Coordination: Strengthening collaboration among government agencies, airlines, travel trade and other private-sector stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response.

BARN recognizes the importance of maintaining close coordination between airlines, government authorities and the wider tourism industry during periods of international disruption. The organization remains committed to supporting measures that safeguard Nepal’s air connectivity, facilitate passenger movement and contribute to the resilience and sustainable growth of the country’s tourism sector.

The programme concluded with a shared understanding that collective action, strategic planning, diversified connectivity and effective communication will be critical in navigating the challenges arising from the evolving international situation.

BARN appreciates the Nepal Tourism Board for convening the industry stakeholders and providing a platform for constructive dialogue and coordinated action.