Himalaya Airlines has resumed direct scheduled flights between Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai, reopening an important air connection between Nepal and China from September 28, 2026.
The first resumed flight departed Kathmandu on September 28 at 7:11 PM Nepal Standard Time and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on September 29 at 2:36 AM China Standard Time. The return service departed Shanghai at 4:36 AM on September 29 and landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 8:13 AM the same day.
Only Direct Scheduled Carrier on Kathmandu–Shanghai Sector
With the resumption of the service, Himalaya Airlines has become the only commercial carrier operating a direct scheduled service on the Kathmandu–Shanghai–Kathmandu sector, according to the airline. The renewed connection is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Nepal and Shanghai, one of China’s major international cities and a prominent global financial and commercial centre. The direct service is also expected to facilitate travel for tourists, business travellers, students and other passengers travelling between the two countries.
Two Flights a Week Initially
Himalaya Airlines is initially operating two weekly flights on the Kathmandu–Shanghai route. Outbound flights from Kathmandu are scheduled for Monday and Friday, while return flights from Shanghai operate on Tuesday and Saturday. The airline said it will review the service based on passenger demand and load factors and consider increasing the frequency in the future. For the initial schedule, Kathmandu–Shanghai flights operate from September 28 to October 23, while Shanghai–Kathmandu services operate from September 29 to October 24.
| Sector | Days | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Shanghai (KTM–PVG) | Monday, Friday | 18:25 | 02:00 +1 |
| Shanghai–Kathmandu (PVG–KTM) | Tuesday, Saturday | 03:00 | 07:10 |
All times are local. +1 indicates arrival the following day.
Route Expected to Support Tourism and Hospitality
The resumption comes at the beginning of Nepal’s peak autumn tourism season, when international visitor movement traditionally increases. The airline expects the direct connection to contribute to increased tourist arrivals from China and support Nepal’s broader tourism and hospitality industries.
The route also provides a direct link between Kathmandu and Shanghai, facilitating travel between Nepal’s capital and one of China’s major economic and financial centres. The airline said the service is intended to enhance convenient, safe and efficient travel while strengthening Nepal–China bilateral connectivity and people-to-people relations.
Himalaya Airlines Highlights Nepal–China Connectivity
Vijay Shrestha, Vice-President of Himalaya Airlines, said the airline has sought to serve as a bridge connecting Nepal with China’s trade, tourism and people-to-people networks. According to Shrestha, the resumption of the Kathmandu–Shanghai service reflects the airline’s commitment to strengthening that connection.
He said the airline aims to provide passengers with quality travel experiences while maintaining high standards of safety and service. The airline also expressed its intention to facilitate greater opportunities for travellers to explore the tourism, business and cultural potential of both Nepal and China.
Tickets Available Through Multiple Channels
Passengers can book tickets for the Kathmandu–Shanghai–Kathmandu service through Himalaya Airlines’ ticketing counters, authorized travel partners, official website and mobile application. The resumed service provides travellers with a direct air option between Kathmandu and Shanghai while expanding Himalaya Airlines’ international connectivity between Nepal and China.
