Foreign airlines take the lead with 240 extra int'l flights, NAC's additions remain at zero

Published On: October 13, 2023 11:00 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 13: Amid the festive fervor of Dashain and Tihar, as well as the commencement of the bustling tourist season, several international airlines operating in Nepal have significantly ramped up their flight schedules to accommodate the surge in travelers. A total of eight airlines have collectively introduced an impressive 240 additional flights to cater to the escalating demand.

However, in stark contrast to these private carriers, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), a state-owned entity, has found itself unable to augment its flight operations. This is primarily due to the fact that its existing regular flights are fully occupied and strained.

As the much-anticipated Dashain and Tihar festivals draw near, along with the bustling tourist season, many airlines have taken proactive steps to bolster their flight offerings. According to Gyanendra Bhul, the Information Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, "In the month of October alone, we have witnessed a remarkable surge, with 57 additional flights introduced in a single week." However, it should be noted that NAC has yet to add any flights to its roster, as the acquisition of flight permissions from the relevant authorities is an imperative prerequisite for such expansions.

Typically, Nepal witnesses a daily average of 55 international flights, but the month of October has witnessed a noticeable uptick, with this number rising to 60 daily flights. As the pressure of passengers continues to mount, charter flights have also seen an increase in demand.

Among the various international airlines, both Air Arabia and Fly Dubai have notably introduced 14 new flights each per week, encompassing both scheduled and charter flights. Vistara Airlines, on the other hand, has augmented its weekly schedule with seven additional flights and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has added five flights. Malindo Air has incorporated 11 new flights, Biman Bangladesh has added three, Air China has introduced two, and Thai Lion has included one scheduled flight per week.