Yeti ends upper-class fare on outbound Dasain flights; Buddha, Shree claim minimum fares

Following criticism over steep airfares during Dasain, Yeti Airlines has discontinued its upper-class fare on flights departing from Kathmandu. In a notice issued Thursday, the company said it is charging minimum fares on flights returning to Kathmandu.

The company said the decision was made considering the high demand from outbound passengers, even though return flights during Dasain are usually empty and fuel costs are high. According to Yeti, aviation fuel prices have risen this year from about Rs 127 to Rs 249 per litre due to wars in various parts of the world.

Shree Airlines has also said it has discontinued its upper-class fare on outbound flights and is selling tickets at the lowest available rates. The company said discounted tickets are available under a special offer for flights arriving in Kathmandu.

Buddha Air has objected, saying confusion over fares is being spread through misleading screenshots created using Photoshop and artificial intelligence. According to the company, one-way Kathmandu–Dhangadhi tickets have been sold for around Rs 10,800, filling most of the day's flights.

Buddha Air said it announced minimum fares after the Rasuwa flood and landslides blocked the highway. The company also warned of action against those charging unauthorized higher fares.