Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has announced that it will begin operating direct flights from Kathmandu to Guangzhou, China, starting this Thursday. This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plan as it becomes the first time Nepal’s national flag carrier is launching a direct service to Guangzhou. With all necessary technical preparations completed, the corporation is confident that the service will boost connectivity between Nepal and one of China’s most important cities.
First Flight on September 25
According to Executive Chair of NAC, Yubaraj Adhikari, the first direct flight will take off on September 25. The second flight is scheduled for September 28, and from then on, regular operations will take place three times a week. The flights will operate every Sunday, Tuesday, and Saturday, providing passengers with a consistent and reliable schedule.
The launch of the Kathmandu–Guangzhou route is seen as a major development for both tourism and business sectors. Guangzhou, being a hub of trade and commerce in China, will open new avenues for Nepalese entrepreneurs, students, and travelers who previously had to rely on connecting flights.
Fare Structure Announced
NAC has also disclosed its fare details for the new service. A one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Guangzhou has been fixed at Rs 30,000, while a return ticket will cost Rs 50,000. The pricing strategy is designed to make the service competitive, offering Nepalese passengers a direct alternative to connecting routes which often involve longer travel times and higher costs.
The corporation hopes that reasonable fares combined with direct connectivity will encourage more passengers to choose Nepal Airlines, especially for business and educational purposes, given the growing number of Nepalese students in Chinese universities and the expansion of trade activities between the two nations.
Competition in the Route
The Kathmandu–Guangzhou air route is already being served by Himalaya Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Himalaya Airlines has been operating regular flights from Nepal to Guangzhou, while China Southern Airlines runs services on the Guangzhou–Kathmandu route. Despite the presence of these competitors, NAC is confident in its ability to establish a strong market presence due to its reputation as the national flag carrier and its ability to offer convenient schedules.
By introducing its own service, NAC not only increases travel options for passengers but also intensifies competition, which could potentially lead to improved services and competitive pricing across airlines operating on this route.
Expanding International Destinations
With Guangzhou added to its network, Nepal Airlines will now serve 11 destinations across nine countries. This expansion demonstrates the corporation’s commitment to strengthening its international operations and building a more robust global presence.
Currently, NAC operates flights with two narrow-body and two wide-body aircraft to multiple international destinations. These include Doha in Qatar, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong in China, Bangkok in Thailand, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Narita in Japan, and three major cities in India—Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The addition of Guangzhou is expected to further enhance the airline’s competitive standing in the region.
Strategic Importance of Guangzhou
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is one of China’s largest and most dynamic cities. It is recognized as a global trade and business hub, attracting millions of business travelers and tourists each year. For Nepal, having direct air connectivity to Guangzhou is a strategic step toward strengthening bilateral relations with China and supporting Nepal’s tourism revival efforts.
As the tourism sector of Nepal recovers from recent global challenges, direct connectivity to Chinese cities is expected to play a vital role in attracting more visitors. China has historically been one of the largest sources of tourists for Nepal, and improved air links could help bring more travelers to destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini.
Boost for Trade, Education, and Tourism
The new flight service is also expected to benefit Nepalese students studying in China and traders importing goods from Guangzhou. As one of the largest trading centers in Asia, Guangzhou is an important source of consumer goods, electronics, and textiles. The direct route will reduce travel time and costs for importers and exporters, while also facilitating easier movement for students and professionals.
Moreover, the direct flight opens up opportunities for Chinese tourists to visit Nepal more conveniently. With Guangzhou’s population and economic significance, NAC’s initiative is likely to attract both business and leisure travelers to Nepal.
NAC’s Commitment to Expansion
Executive Chair Yubaraj Adhikari emphasized that the launch of the Guangzhou service reflects NAC’s ongoing efforts to enhance international connectivity. By offering reliable services and maintaining competitive fares, NAC aims to rebuild its reputation as a trusted airline in both domestic and international markets. The airline’s strategy also aligns with the broader national objective of improving Nepal’s connectivity with key global markets, thereby supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
The commencement of direct flights from Kathmandu to Guangzhou by Nepal Airlines Corporation marks an important milestone in Nepal’s aviation history. By expanding its network to one of China’s most significant economic centers, NAC is not only creating new opportunities for travelers but also strengthening Nepal’s position as a hub for tourism and trade. With flights scheduled thrice a week and fares designed to be affordable, the service promises to benefit students, traders, business travelers, and tourists alike.
As competition grows on this route, passengers stand to benefit from better services and options. For Nepal Airlines, the move is a step toward regaining prominence in the international aviation market and fulfilling its role as Nepal’s flag carrier.
