Jumla, Dec 26: The Himalayan district of Jumla is set to witness improved air travel services with the implementation of a transparent ticketing system. In a meeting organized by the local administration, representatives from various sectors, including airlines, civil society, human rights commissions, and journalists, made crucial decisions to enhance the air travel experience for the residents.

Santosh Adhikari, head of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority office, announced that each airline operating in Jumla will compile a list of passengers at the airport, ensuring transparency. Moreover, tickets for the next day’s flights will be distributed a day in advance, facilitating a more organized and accessible system.

To prioritize specific needs, the airlines have reserved ten seats for individuals facing health issues, disabilities, security personnel, and other emergency workers. For instance, Sita Airlines will allocate seven seats to the general public one day prior to the flight, as stated by Chief District Officer Jayakumar Ghimire.

Prazia Ghimire expressed optimism that the new arrangement would simplify the ticketing process for ordinary citizens and domestic tourists alike. Raj Bahadur Mahat, president of civil society, emphasized the importance of transparency in ticket distribution and suggested the establishment of an office outside the airport gate.

Gaurinanda Acharya, the head of the district coordination committee, highlighted the need to manage and implement an effective ticketing system, particularly for flights to Jumla. Local journalist Purnaprasad Choulagai noted that the community has faced challenges due to the prolonged difficulties in obtaining ship tickets. Currently, Nepal Airlines, Summit Air, Sita, and Tara Air operate regular flights between Nepalgunj and Jumla, enhancing connectivity for the region.