The European Union has launched two new regional aviation safety initiatives in Kathmandu, Nepal, as part of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP), the EEAS announced on 23 June 2026. The initiatives aim to strengthen aviation safety cooperation with Nepal and South Asia through training workshops and regulatory updates.
From 23 to 25 June, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is hosting the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), organised jointly with ATR. The module focuses on Crew Training and Operational Standards, covering decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management. A distinctive feature is the contribution of regional airlines sharing operational experience and case studies alongside industry experts. Speaking at the opening, Thomas Millar, Chargé d’Affaires at the EU Delegation to Nepal, noted that air safety is a priority for the Government of Nepal and acknowledged the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan, which will be reviewed by the European Commission's DG MOVE in the coming months.
A second activity, the Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI), will take place from 29 June to 2 July in Kathmandu. The workshop will examine recent developments in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, supporting authorities and industry in implementing evolving international requirements.
These activities mark an evolution of the EU–South Asia APP from individual technical exchanges towards a more structured and sustained programme of regional cooperation. They reinforce Nepal's role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and demonstrate the EU's commitment to practical, demand-driven partnerships. The EU–South Asia APP is part of the wider EU–Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a technical cooperation programme funded by the EU and implemented by EASA, contributing to the EU's Global Gateway strategy by promoting safe, sustainable and resilient connectivity.