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By Our Business Reporter lately in Bangkok

Nepal Airlines currently operates only three weekly Kathmandu–Bangkok flights, using a narrow-body Airbus, while three other international airlines operate daily flights on the same route. Notably, Thai Airways operates two flights per day. Despite this limited operation, Nepal Airlines maintains a seat occupancy rate of over 84%.

“The main reason for operating just three weekly flights is the shortage of aircraft,” said Damodar Mishra, Country Manager of Nepal Airlines in Bangkok. “Even with limited frequency, there is no shortage of passengers. Nepalis love flying with their national flag carrier—they feel proud,” he added.

Mishra highlighted that Nepal Airlines offers several advantages, including quality in-flight service, good food, a 30 kg baggage facility, and competitive fares. These features continue to attract loyal passengers, even in a highly competitive market.

“Nepal Airlines’ main competitors on this route are AirAsia, Thai Airways, and Thai Lion Air. But many passengers prefer us because of the comfort and value we provide,” Mishra said. “If we operated daily flights, we would still have enough demand to fill the seats.”

Currently, three Thai carriers operate a total of 24 weekly flights to Kathmandu, while Nepal Airlines manages only three. Mishra believes that with more aircraft, Nepal Airlines could not only increase flight frequency but also expand services to other high-potential destinations.

“There is strong potential for Buddhist pilgrimage flights from Bangkok to Bhairahawa, given that 90% of Thailand’s population is Buddhist,” he noted. “With additional fleets, we could also attract more transit passengers to destinations like South Korea and Australia.”

Mishra emphasized that for Nepal to truly boost tourism, the government must address policy bottlenecks. “Unnecessary taxes should be removed to encourage growth in the aviation and tourism sectors,” he suggested.

Despite the challenges, Nepal Airlines remains a strong player in the Kathmandu sector. However, its ability to compete is being tested as rivals increase frequency and introduce new services. For example, AirAsia is launching low-cost direct flights to Bhairahawa, and Thai Airways now operates both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft on the Kathmandu route.

Another key issue affecting growth is Nepal’s inclusion on the European Union’s aviation safety blacklist. “There are around 100 Nepali officials working for UN agencies in Bangkok,” Mishra explained. “They want to fly with Nepal Airlines when they go their home, but their offices won’t reimburse the fare due to the EU blacklist. If Nepal is removed from that list, passenger numbers will naturally rise.”

In conclusion, Mishra stressed the need for urgent government initiative to add more aircraft in its international routes. “Nepal is a landlocked country. Expanding our airline fleet is essential to connecting more countries and driving economic and tourism growth. The concerned authorities must prioritize adding new aircraft to Nepal Airlines’ fleet,” he urged.