Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) functions as the central regulatory body and service provider for the aviation sector in Nepal. It is responsible for the oversight of air safety, airworthiness, and flight operations within the sovereign airspace, while simultaneously managing the infrastructure for national and international airports. Its position in the value chain is as a statutory regulator and air navigation service provider, governing the entry of foreign operators and the licensing of domestic carriers. The authority oversees operations at major gateways, most notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as the newly commissioned Gautam Buddha and Pokhara International Airports. It interfaces with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to maintain global standards and regulates domestic carriers such as Nepal Airlines and Buddha Air. The organisation is also tasked with the modernisation of communication, navigation, and surveillance systems across the country's challenging high-altitude terrain. Prospective partners or operators should verify the current status of the country's safety oversight standing with international bodies, specifically the European Union Air Safety List. Engagement requires a clear understanding of the dual role the authority plays as both a regulator and an airport operator. Buyers should also confirm the specific certification requirements for aircraft operating in STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) environments unique to the Himalayan region.