August 13: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has clarified that no flights meant for rescue operations have been prohibited in remote areas beyond the 'operation hours'.    
The recent decision of the CAAN mandates airlines to conduct flights to remove areas only within the fixed time schedule.    
The decision is said to be for mitigating the risk of air incidents during the monsoon season and to enhance flight safety. However, CAAN has been criticized for the move.    
CAAN spokesperson Jagannath Niraula said that the restriction on flight beyond the operating hours is only applicable during the monsoon period and is not targeted at rescue flights. The prohibition is just for commercial flight in remote areas. The CAAN said typically the 'operation hours' for airports based in remote areas begin at 6:30 am and end at 12:30 in the afternoon. -- RSS