What we know
- Nepal and Saudi Arabia signed a final bilateral air services agreement on August 31, according to Online Khabar English.
- The agreement permits Saudi Arabian airlines to operate flights to the new international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.
- This new agreement updates a previous 1999 accord which allowed for 5,600 seats per week.
- Online Khabar English reported that no Saudi Arabian airline currently offers direct flights to Nepal, though Nepalese carriers fly to Saudi Arabia.
What this means if you are travelling
- This development creates the possibility of new direct international flight routes to Pokhara and Bhairahawa from Saudi Arabia, which could impact onward travel plans within Nepal.
- Travellers planning trips to Pokhara or Bhairahawa should monitor airline announcements for new flight options, although specific routes and schedules are not yet established.
- Those flying into Kathmandu are currently unaffected, as existing direct services from Nepal to Saudi Arabia operate from Kathmandu.
- Confirm any new flight details with your airline or tour operator once services are announced to understand potential changes to your itinerary.
Nepal has officially opened its recently constructed international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa to Saudi Arabian airlines. This follows the finalization of a bilateral air services agreement between the two nations, which was signed on August 31, as reported by Online Khabar English today, September 17.
The agreement establishes a legal framework for Saudi airlines to begin operating flights to Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Jayanarayan Acharya, a joint secretary and spokesperson at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, confirmed this, noting that the agreement facilitates such operations if Saudi airlines choose to pursue them.
Context of the New Air Services Agreement
The latest agreement is an update to an earlier bilateral air services agreement established between Nepal and Saudi Arabia in 1999. The previous agreement permitted airlines from both countries to operate services providing the equivalent of 5,600 seats per week, or 291,200 seats annually.
According to Online Khabar English, the Ministry anticipates that this new accord will enhance air connectivity between the two countries. It is also expected to support the growth of passenger and cargo services, encourage tourism, and create additional opportunities for trade and investment, thereby strengthening economic and people-to-people connections.
Significance for Nepal's New Airports
Nepal's newly built international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa are ready for operation, but the country has been working to attract international airlines to establish regular services from these locations. This agreement is part of Nepal's broader strategy to expand its international air connectivity.
- Pokhara International Airport is located near the popular trekking and adventure hub of Pokhara.
- Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa serves the Lumbini region, an important pilgrimage site.
Current Flight Landscape
Online Khabar English notes that currently, no Saudi Arabian airline operates direct flights to Nepal. However, Nepalese carriers do offer direct services to Saudi Arabia.
- Himalaya Airlines provides direct flights from Kathmandu to Dammam and Riyadh.
- Nepal Airlines operates a direct service from Kathmandu to Dammam.
Nepal has established air services agreements with 42 countries to date, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The government continues to pursue a policy of expanding these agreements to bolster international air connectivity and attract more international tourists.
What This Means for Travellers
For travellers, this agreement lays the groundwork for potential new direct flight routes into Pokhara and Bhairahawa from Saudi Arabia. While no specific flight schedules or airlines have been announced yet, this development could offer more convenient access to these regions in the future.
If you have an upcoming trip to Nepal, particularly involving travel to Pokhara or Bhairahawa, keep an eye on official announcements from airlines regarding new routes. Existing travel plans via Kathmandu are not immediately impacted by this agreement, as current direct services to Saudi Arabia operate from the capital.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Which airports in Nepal are affected by this new agreement?
The new air services agreement specifically affects the newly built international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. These airports are now open for Saudi Arabian airlines to operate flights, according to Online Khabar English.
When was the air services agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia finalized?
The final bilateral air services agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia was signed on August 31, as reported by Online Khabar English. This agreement provides the legal framework for airline operations.
Are there currently direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Nepal?
According to Online Khabar English, no Saudi Arabian airline currently operates direct flights to Nepal. However, Nepalese carriers such as Himalaya Airlines and Nepal Airlines do offer direct services from Kathmandu to destinations in Saudi Arabia.
How does this agreement benefit Nepal?
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation expects the new agreement to expand air connectivity between Nepal and Saudi Arabia. It aims to support the development of passenger and cargo services, promote tourism, and foster trade and investment, as stated by Online Khabar English.