Beijing demands special security for its aircraft in Nepal

Beijing has asked its Nepalese government to arrange special security for aircraft that are making direct flights from Kathmandu to different destinations in China.

Following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, the Chinese government has shown concern about its airlines operating to and from Nepal's only international airport.

"Sending a letter to the Home Ministry, the Chinese authority asked to arrange special security for the landing and taking off of the Chinese planes that operate from our airport," a high-level official at Nepal's Home Ministry told Xinhua.

He said that the ministry has already forwarded the letter to the Ministry of Aviation for the consideration.

In the letter the Chinese authority demanded security for its diplomatic officials, people visiting to Nepal and its aircraft, sources said.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Aviation Ministry said it has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the country's aviation regulatory body, to address the demands of the Chinese government.

"We have initiated some activities to address the concern of the Chinese authority, including stricter screening and thorough inspection of the passengers and their belongings," said Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, chief of CAAN, on Monday.

He added that even stricter inspections will be made for all airlines to ensure security in Kathmandu-based Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Currently, three Chinese carriers including Air China, China Southern and China Eastern are running direct flights to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) while another, Sichuan Airlines will soon begin its commercial operation in Nepal.

Of late, there has been immense flow of Chinese tourists to Nepal which has also made it necessary for Nepal to make its air connection with the northern neighbor better organized and safer.

Source: http://www.wantchinatimes.com