Nepal Airlines Resumes Domestic Routes from Kathmandu
Nepal Airlines (RA) has resumed domestic flights from Kathmandu after a three-month pause, initially reintroducing services on two routes. The Nepalese flag carrier restarted flights to Bhojpur on March 25, 2025, and plans to begin regular services to Taplejung on April 5, according to The Rising Nepal. Neither airport has scheduled flights from other carriers.
The airline’s return to these routes comes after repairing one of its two DHC-6-300 aircraft, which were previously grounded. In December 2024, DHC-6-300 9N-ABU (msn 814) was grounded due to reaching the maximum allowable number of engine cycles. Another aircraft, 9N-ABT (msn 812), has been stored since June 2024 due to mechanical engine issues.
Nepal Airlines typically operates nine domestic routes from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, Dang, Phaplu, Bhojpur, and Taplejung, along with routes from Nepalgunj to Bajura, Dolpa, Jumla, and Simikot. The airline’s return to service on these routes signals the restart of its domestic operations, which had been impacted by aircraft maintenance challenges.
Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey recently revealed that Nepal Airlines is considering leasing additional aircraft to expand its fleet. The airline is planning to lease ten narrowbody and ten widebody aircraft to enhance its operations. Currently, Nepal Airlines operates two A320-200s and two A330-200s, with five Chinese-made aircraft in storage.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com