To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with (a) Virgin Airlines, (b) British Airways and (c) other carriers on the possibility of direct flights from the UK to Nepal; (133565)

Ministers and officials meet regularly with UK airlines to discuss their future plans for all parts of the world. No specific representations relating to air services to Nepal have been made in any recent discussions with airlines or other bodies. It is a matter for airlines to decide which destinations they wish to serve.