Kathmandu: Nepalese expatriates in Australia are set to benefit from direct flights to Kathmandu as early as this Dashain, with Nepal Airlines poised to launch a new route from Sydney.
The national carrier has extensively negotiated with Australian aviation authorities to establish the new service, building upon the successful evacuation of Nepalese citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mutual agreement on direct air links between the two countries was reached five years ago, and progress has accelerated in recent months.
A high-level delegation from Nepal Airlines, including Executive Chairman Yuvaraj Adhikari, visited Sydney to finalize technical assessments and address the remaining issues. The team held productive discussions with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Infrastructure Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Home Affairs representatives.
“We are optimistic about launching direct flights from Sydney this Dashain,” Adhikari stated. “The discussions were amicable and successful, and we are now finalizing the remaining details.”
Nepal Airlines has secured two weekly flight slots at Sydney’s Kingsford International Airport and has completed most of the necessary agreements for the service. The carrier aims to address any outstanding issues before the upcoming festive season.
A broader bilateral agreement signed in 2019 outlines potential air service between the two countries, including seven weekly flights from major Australian cities to Nepal and vice versa. However, there has been limited progress on Australian airlines operating flights to Nepal.
The introduction of direct flights is expected to significantly benefit the Nepalese diaspora in Australia, providing convenient and accessible travel options to their homeland.
