Kathmandu: Himalaya Airlines hosted a high-level delegation from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Aviation Innovation Organization–Norm Airlift Resources Development Organization (IAIO–NARDO) on July 24 for discussions on promoting age-inclusive, accessible and dignified air travel.
The delegation included Dr. Chitralekha Massey, Chief of Rights of Older Persons at OHCHR; Mr. Chai Shuai, Director of UNOG and EU Affairs at IAIO–NARDO; and Mr. Chen Kejian, Officer for the Rights of Older Persons at the UN Secretariat.
The meeting focused on advancing global efforts to ensure that older persons can travel with dignity, independence and equal access within the aviation sector. Representatives from Himalaya Airlines shared the airline’s passenger care initiatives and service practices aimed at improving accessibility and enhancing the travel experience for senior passengers.
During the interaction, Dr. Massey highlighted international best practices and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen age-inclusive policies across the aviation industry. She also reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to supporting greater awareness and implementation of inclusive practices.
Both sides exchanged views on adopting human rights-based approaches that can help create a more accessible and inclusive aviation ecosystem for older travelers.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Shrestha, Vice President – Administration of Himalaya Airlines, said the airline believes air travel should be accessible, respectful and dignified for every passenger, regardless of age. He described the dialogue as an important opportunity to share experiences, learn from global expertise and contribute to building a more inclusive aviation industry.
Himalaya Airlines said it remains committed to continuous learning, collaboration and knowledge-sharing to promote a more accessible, people-centered and inclusive future for air travel. #Nepal
