Himalaya Airlines has officially launched direct flights connecting Kathmandu to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, in a significant milestone for air travel between Nepal and China.
The inaugural flight, carrying 137 passengers, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 9:20 on Saturday and is scheduled to arrive in Shanghai at 9:00 PM the same day.
The Kathmandu-Shanghai route, spanning five hours and 20 minutes, is set to operate as a regular flight every Saturday morning. This marks the airline’s debut in serving Shanghai and further expands its network to a total of nine different cities, including Beijing, the capital of China.
Speaking at a press conference held at Tribhuvan International Airport to mark the inaugural flight, Himalaya Airlines Vice President Vijay Shrestha expressed optimism about the positive impact of direct flights between major commercial and tourist hubs in China and Nepal. He emphasized that such air connectivity initiatives aim to strengthen bilateral relations and foster increased collaboration in business, while also anticipating a rise in Chinese tourist arrivals to Nepal.
Vice President Shrestha acknowledged the post-COVID surge in Chinese flights to Nepal and predicted a subsequent increase in both flights and tourist arrivals. With border crossings open and travel restrictions easing, he sees this development as a pivotal step in elevating Nepal-China relations.
Pratap Babu Tiwari, General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport, echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal will witness a notable increase with the expansion of flights from China. He disclosed that more than 15,000 passengers are currently traveling to and from Kathmandu airport through over 100 international flights daily.
Chi Yu, the economic and commercial consul of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, emphasized the strategic importance of Himalaya Airlines’ new route, considering it a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering commercial collaboration between the two nations.
The introduction of direct flights between Kathmandu and Shanghai not only facilitates smoother travel but also underscores the growing economic and diplomatic connections between Nepal and China. As Himalaya Airlines expands its reach, the Kathmandu-Shanghai route is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, business partnerships, and cultural exchange between the two countries.