European Union Deepens Regional Aviation Cooperation through Two New Safety Initiatives in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal – 23 June 2026
Following the launch of a series of aviation cooperation activities earlier this year, the European Union is continuing to strengthen its partnership with Nepal and South Asia through two new regional initiatives taking place in Kathmandu under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP).
Over a two-week period, aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across South Asia will gather in Nepal to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and discuss practical approaches to enhancing aviation safety.
From 23 to 25 June, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) will host the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), organised jointly with ATR. The module will focus on Crew Training and Operational Standards, addressing the human and procedural dimensions of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management.
European Union, 2026
Speaking at the opening today, Mr Thomas Millar, Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, remarked, “Air safety is clearly a priority for the Government of Nepal, and we have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech, aiming to address the concerns of the European Commission. We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan. Our colleagues in DG MOVE will review it in the coming months.”
He further added, “The European Union and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with the Government of Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve. Both the EU and its Member States are already providing technical assistance and have worked closely with all stakeholders to support progress.”
A distinctive feature of this module will be the contribution of airlines from the region, which will share operational experience, practical case studies and lessons learned alongside industry experts. By bringing together regulators, operators and industry representatives, the programme aims to foster practical and sustainable approaches to aviation safety.
In the second activity, which takes place from 29 June to 2 July, Kathmandu will also host a Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). The workshop will examine recent developments in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, supporting authorities and industry in their implementation of evolving international requirements.
Together, these activities demonstrate the evolution of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project from individual technical exchanges towards a more structured and sustained programme of regional cooperation.
They also reinforce Nepal's growing role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and illustrate the European Union's commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders through practical, demand-driven and long-term partnerships.
Strong aviation safety systems are essential to enabling connectivity, tourism and economic development. By supporting closer cooperation between authorities, operators and industry, the European Union contributes to safer, more resilient and future-ready air transport systems across South Asia.
About the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project
The EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project forms part of the wider EU–Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a regional technical cooperation programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the EASA.
The project supports civil aviation authorities and aviation stakeholders across South Asia through regulatory dialogue, technical exchange and targeted capacity-building activities, promoting high levels of aviation safety and effective oversight in line with international standards.
This cooperation contributes to the objectives of the EU's Global Gateway strategy by promoting safe, sustainable and resilient connectivity across the region.
ENDS