Nepal’s leading airline, Yeti Airlines, has proudly entered its 27th year of operation. The company received its commercial flight permission from the then Civil Aviation Department in May 1998, and on September 21, 1998, it operated its first flight in Nepalese skies. Since then, this day has been celebrated annually as the airline’s anniversary.
Founded by Lakpa Sonam Sherpa and the late Ang Chiring Sherpa, Yeti Airlines began operations with two DHC6-300 Twin Otter aircraft, each with a capacity of 19 seats, primarily serving tourists and locals to the Himalayan town of Lukla. Nearly three decades later, the airline has become a major player in domestic aviation, offering regular flights across key urban centers.
Modern Fleet and Operational Reach
Today, Yeti Airlines operates seven ATR-72 aircraft, focusing on flights to urban destinations. While previously servicing remote areas before the launch of Tara Air, the airline currently flies to seven major destinations: Kathmandu, Bhadrapur (Jhapa), Biratnagar (Morang), Janakpur (Dhanusha), Pokhara (Kaski), Bhairahawa (Rupandehi), and Nepalgunj (Banke).
Sudarshan Bartula, the airline’s spokesperson, stated that the airline currently serves over one million passengers annually. The company continues to maintain strong operational standards, emphasizing efficiency and safety while navigating Nepal’s challenging terrain.
Financial Growth and Challenges
Yeti Airlines has steadily grown in business over recent years. The company reported NPR 425.8 crore in 2024, up from NPR 377.5 crore in 2023 and NPR 392 crore in 2022. Plans to expand to additional domestic destinations have been temporarily put on hold due to current economic uncertainties and limited availability of spare parts in the international market.
Bartula explained: “Delayed aircraft maintenance due to spare part shortages, coupled with economic uncertainties in the country, make expanding our fleet a risky investment at present. Until economic conditions stabilize, we are prioritizing efficient use of our current aircraft.”
Rising operational costs have also impacted ticket fares, and airlines are currently flying primarily to maintain service rather than generate profit. Under the current scenario, Yeti Airlines aims to maximize capacity and timely operations on its available routes while maintaining service quality.
Daily and Mountain Operations
Yeti Airlines operates two daily mountain flights, connecting remote and popular tourist destinations. Additionally, since 2009, Yeti has been operating Tara Air, a sister airline focusing on flights to Nepal’s more remote airfields, ensuring continued connectivity for the country’s mountainous regions.
IPO Plans and Corporate Structure
Yeti Airlines recently converted to a public company in May last year as part of preparations for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Internal documentation and procedural work for the IPO are currently ongoing. Presently, Yeti Airlines holds 21% market share in domestic flights, highlighting its prominent role in Nepal’s aviation industry.
The airline’s ownership structure is as follows: Asian Life Insurance holds 46.82% of shares, Sonam Sherpa owns 25.03%, and Chanda Sherpa holds 20.06%.
Innovative Cargo Services
In a recent move to diversify its services, Yeti Airlines launched a door-to-door cargo service in collaboration with Upaya City Cargo in Bhadra (mid-September 2025). Customers can now book cargo deliveries digitally via the Upaya Complete platform, enabling home pick-up and delivery to designated locations.
The service also includes real-time tracking via mobile or web platforms, allowing customers to monitor shipments conveniently from start to finish. This initiative is part of Yeti Airlines’ strategy to leverage its logistical capabilities and expand beyond passenger services.
Looking Ahead
As Yeti Airlines approaches its 30th anniversary, the airline remains committed to expanding safe, reliable, and efficient air travel within Nepal. While fleet expansion plans are temporarily paused, the company continues to strengthen its operational efficiency, passenger service, and cargo logistics.
Celebrating 27 years of continuous service, Yeti Airlines not only represents a significant milestone for Nepal’s aviation sector but also underscores the country’s ability to operate a complex air network in challenging mountainous terrain.
With its diverse fleet, extensive route network, and innovative services, Yeti Airlines continues to play a pivotal role in connecting communities, supporting tourism, and fostering economic growth across Nepal.
