Nepal Government officials submitted the ‘accession instrument’ to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal on October 16, 2018. Nepal is the 135^th member to ratify the convention.

Following this move, family members of deceased persons in air accidents will now receive an eight-fold increase in compensation, up to USD 158,565 (NPR 18.71 million). Currently, Nepali airlines operating on international routes compensates a deceased person’s family members with USD 20,000.

“The MC99 will come into force in Nepal on December 15,” said Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Speaking about domestic airlines Lamicchane said that the compensation amount for domestic airlines will not be equal to the MC99 provision but would significantly increase.

“We are currently discussing domestic legislation to reflect the principles of the Montreal Convention,” he added.

Nepal domestic airlines are already protesting against the government decision of fixing liability amount equal to international airlines.

“This is a big achievement because the accession will have a number of practical benefits for passengers besides boosting traveler confidence,” Lamicchane said.

The process for Nepal’s Montreal Convention membership application began in July 2018.

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