SpiceJet, an Indian low-cost airline, has announced that it will resume flights between Delhi and Kathmandu after a hiatus of six years. The airline has applied to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to restart regular commercial flights between the two cities in March. As part of the preparations, SpiceJet has appointed Himalaya Global Travel Services as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for the operations.
SpiceJet has requested permission from CAAN to conduct 14 flights per week on the Delhi-Kathmandu route. Initially, the airline plans to operate one flight per day, and CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul mentioned that the final flight schedule will be confirmed in the coming days. This move is expected to bring increased competition to the Kathmandu-Delhi route, which could lead to lower prices for passengers.
Currently, three airlines provide regular commercial flights on the Kathmandu-Delhi route: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), Air India, and IndiGo Airlines. Air India operates four daily flights, IndiGo operates two, and NAC offers one flight per day. With SpiceJet entering the market, the route will become more competitive, potentially benefiting travelers with better pricing and additional options.
Tribhuvan International Airport, the main international gateway for Nepal, is home to 28 airlines that operate international flights. SpiceJet intends to operate its flights on this route using a Boeing 737-800 series aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 189 passengers.
SpiceJet, founded in 1984, is one of India’s leading low-cost carriers. By 2024, it is expected to be India’s sixth-largest airline. The airline currently provides regular flights to 60 domestic destinations and 13 international locations. The resumption of flights on the Kathmandu-Delhi route marks a significant development for both the airline and travelers in the region.
