Himalaya Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Kathmandu and Shanghai from September 28, 2026, restoring a nonstop air link between Nepal and one of China’s key commercial centres. The airline will provide service between Tribhuvan International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport on an initial biweekly basis. The service is expected to restore Nepal’s critical air link to China around its important autumn tourism season. The service is expected to offer Chinese travelers a convenient option to access Nepal.
The Himalaya Airlines is set to operate (Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu) flights twice weekly. The flights from Kathmandu will depart on Monday and Friday and return from Shanghai on Tuesday and Saturday. The Kathmandu flight will depart at 6:25 PM and reach Shanghai at 2:00 AM the next day. The Shanghai departure will depart at 3:00 AM and arrive in Kathmandu at 7:10 AM, based on local time.
Flights Will Be Available Until October
Initial service is expected to be limited to a few weeks of travel season. Kathmandu Shanghai service will be available from September 28 to October 23, 2026, while Shanghai Kathmandu service is expected to operate September 29 to October 24, 2026. This will provide direct access between the two cities for those travelling during Nepal’s traditional tourism season, in which there is a demand for transport.
Himalaya Airlines spokesperson Vijay Shrestha stated that the airline will consider boosting frequency if passenger load factors or demand are strong enough to warrant doing so on the route. Increasing flights could offer more transportation capacity between the two countries and further boost travel in the period of peak demand, if desired.
Direct Link Expected To Boost Chinese Tourist Access
Himalaya Airlines anticipates that the restored direct service will aid in boosting Chinese tourist arrival rates to Nepal ahead of the country’s peak tourism season. A nonstop connection can offer increased accessibility to Kathmandu to Chinese visitors, who typically need to change aircraft to transfer between destinations. The increased capacity from Shanghai could benefit hotel chains, travel companies, tour operators, and other service providers that cater to Chinese visitors.
Himalaya Airlines Vice President Vijay Shrestha said that the renewed Kathmandu Shanghai connection was expected to facilitate closer ties between Nepal and China via tourism, trade, and people to people connections. The service will provide additional access to the Chinese market as Nepal seeks to boost its international connectivity and attract visitors from vital overseas markets during its peak season. Greater access to the Chinese market could offer further opportunities to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Himalaya Airlines To Operate Regular Direct Service
With the service’s resumption, Himalaya said that it has become the only commercial airline that operates direct flights between Kathmandu and Shanghai. The development is expected to reinforce the carrier’s China operations while also offering another direct international connection to Nepal’s market.
Travelers can buy tickets from ticket offices, authorized travel partners, the airline’s website, and mobile application. The airline will continue to evaluate passenger demand and occupancy as it considers the possibility of boosting the number of flights on the route. The renewed route is expected to bolster Nepal China air connectivity and provide enhanced support to Nepal’s tourism sector during the upcoming autumn travel season.
