Nepal has resumed operation of commercial international flights to Kathmandu from all countries, including India, which have been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Buddhisagar Lamichhane, joint secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday gave permission to the ministry to resume flights to and from all countries, including India.
The Council of Ministers approved the air-bubble scheme proposed by India. In the scheme, the airlines of Nepal and India can carry the citizens of both countries without any restrictions.
“There will be two flights for now per day with one flight of a Nepali airline while another by an Indian carrier,” said Lamichhane.
With the current change in flight system, the aviation doesn’t need to take permission from Council of Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism anymore.
In Nepal, 26 airlines from 16 countries have obtained permission for commercial flights to Kathmandu from 21 destinations. Similarly, four airlines of Nepal (Nepal Airlines Corporation, Himalayan Airlines, Buddha Air and Shree Airlines) have got permission for international flights.
“We have now opened route for two-way flights to all countries, but the number of flights does not appear to be increasing soon due to several restrictions by various countries to prevent coronavirus infection,” Lamichhane informed.
