Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, expressed confidence that Thai AirAsia’s direct flights to Nepal will significantly promote tourism and strengthen the close ties between Nepal and Thailand. Speaking at a program held to mark the inaugural flight of Thai AirAsia to Nepal, Pandey emphasized that the new air route connecting Kathmandu and Bangkok will facilitate cultural exchanges and contribute to the economic prosperity of both countries, particularly in tourism development.
“The air connection between Bangkok and Kathmandu will enhance cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. It will also bolster government-to-government as well as civil and business relations. I believe Thai AirAsia will soon expand its services to Bhairahawa Airport as well,” Pandey stated during the event.
Tourism Minister Pandey also highlighted Thai AirAsia’s rapid growth, with a fleet of 60 aircraft, calling it an inspiration for Nepal’s aviation and tourism sector. He noted the already strong ties between Nepal and Thailand, with over 40,000 Thai tourists visiting Nepal annually and a significant number of Nepali tourists traveling to Thailand. “We need to further enhance these ties,” he added.
In his remarks, Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya mentioned that the flights will not only strengthen the air link between Nepal and Thailand but also deepen cultural and people-to-people relations. He announced promotional fare plans for travelers and expressed intentions to expand services to other international airports in Nepal.
Thai AirAsia officially commenced its regular flights to Nepal today. According to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the airline’s aircraft landed in Kathmandu at 3:00 PM and departed for Bangkok with passengers the same evening.
TIA General Manager Jagannath Niraula confirmed that Thai AirAsia will operate four weekly flights to Kathmandu. With the addition of Thai AirAsia, the number of international airlines operating in Nepal has now reached 30. The airline has also received permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to operate an additional four flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.
Previously, Thai AirAsia operated regular flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu for six years but suspended services five years ago due to losses. The airline’s official General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nepal is Universal Travel & Tours. Thai AirAsia currently flies to various destinations in Asia, including India, Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, and Sri Lanka.
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