KATHMAND: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has appointed Deo Chandra Lal Karn as its acting Director General, on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Minister Anil Kumar Sinha on Friday assigned the responsibility to Karn, who had been serving as CAAN’s Deputy Director General. Karn assumed office the same day.

The appointment comes after a brief administrative transition. Earlier, Prime Minister Sushila Karki had entrusted the ministry’s Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol with oversight of CAAN’s leadership. However, after Minister Sinha took charge of the ministry, the government decided to place the responsibility within the authority by appointing a senior CAAN official.

CAAN had remained without a permanent leadership after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against suspended DG Pradeep Adhikari. The case relates to alleged irregularities in the construction of the Nalinchok helipad in Bhaktapur. Former CAAN Director Murari Bhandari is also among those facing charges. Both are currently in judicial custody.

The aviation regulator plays a key role in overseeing airport operations, aviation safety, infrastructure development and air connectivity—sectors closely linked to Nepal’s tourism industry.