Himalaya Airlines is set to expand its international operations in China with the launch of direct scheduled flights between Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in Hangzhou.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for September 30, 2026, marking a new milestone in Nepal’s international air connectivity. The airline said it will become the first and only commercial carrier to operate a direct scheduled service on the Kathmandu–Hangzhou–Kathmandu sector. The new route is expected to strengthen connectivity between Nepal and eastern China while supporting tourism, trade, business and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Kathmandu–Hangzhou Route to Strengthen Nepal-China Connectivity
The new air service forms part of Himalaya Airlines’ broader plan to establish direct connectivity with 10 key tourism and economic centres across China. According to the airline, the long-term objective is to facilitate greater tourism and trade between Nepal and China. The new service is expected to cater to leisure travellers, business passengers, trade delegations, students and participants in cultural exchanges. The timing of the launch also coincides with Nepal’s peak autumn tourism season. The airline expects the additional connectivity to support inbound tourism and contribute to activity in the hospitality and wider tourism sectors.
Hangzhou Offers Major Cultural and Tourism Attractions
Hangzhou, the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, is among the country’s major cultural and tourism destinations. The city is one of China’s Eight Ancient Capitals and is internationally known for the scenic West Lake. Hangzhou is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the West Lake Cultural Landscape, the Grand Canal, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. The direct air link is expected to make it easier for travellers from Nepal to access Hangzhou while providing Chinese travellers with more convenient connectivity to Nepal.
Two Flights a Week Initially
Himalaya Airlines will initially operate two weekly flights on the Kathmandu–Hangzhou route. Flights from Kathmandu to Hangzhou will operate every Wednesday and Sunday, while return services from Hangzhou to Kathmandu will operate every Monday and Thursday. The inaugural Kathmandu–Hangzhou flight, H9 225, will depart Tribhuvan International Airport at 5:15 p.m. Nepal time on September 30 and arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport at 1:05 a.m. China time the following day. The return flight, H9 226, will depart Hangzhou at 2:05 a.m. China time on October 1 and arrive in Kathmandu at 6:20 a.m. Nepal time.
| Sector | Effective Dates | Days | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Hangzhou | Sept. 30–Oct. 21, 2026 | Sunday, Wednesday | 17:15 | 01:05 +1 |
| Hangzhou–Kathmandu | Oct. 1–22, 2026 | Monday, Thursday | 02:05 | 06:20 |
All times are local. +1 indicates arrival the following day.
The airline said it will review passenger demand and load factors and consider increasing the frequency of the service in the future.
Airline Targets Wider Chinese Tourism Market
Vijay Shrestha, Vice-President of Himalaya Airlines, said the airline aims to operate services to 10 tourism and economic centres across China as part of its effort to facilitate the arrival of Chinese visitors to Nepal. “Himalaya Airlines aims to operate flights to ten different tourism and economic centres across China to welcome one million Chinese tourists to Nepal,” Shrestha said.
He said the Kathmandu–Hangzhou service reflects the Himalaya Airlines’s strategy of developing new routes ahead of conventional market trends and connecting important historical and cultural centres in Nepal and China. Shrestha added that the airline would focus on providing safe and quality services while creating opportunities for travellers to explore the tourism and economic potential of both countries.
New Route to Support Tourism and Trade
The Kathmandu–Hangzhou connection is expected to create additional opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality businesses, traders and other stakeholders in both markets. For Nepal, improved direct connectivity with Chinese cities could support efforts to diversify and expand the Chinese visitor market, while the route could also facilitate business travel, educational exchanges, and cultural links. The launch further expands Himalaya Airlines’ presence in the Chinese market and forms part of the airline’s efforts to develop Nepal-China air connectivity through direct services.
Tickets Available Through Multiple Channels
Passengers can book Kathmandu–Hangzhou–Kathmandu flights through Himalaya Airlines’ ticketing counters, authorized travel partners, the airline’s official website and its mobile application. The airline said the new service will provide passengers with a direct travel option between Kathmandu and Hangzhou while contributing to stronger aviation and tourism links between Nepal and China.
