KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 10

Himalaya Airlines inaugurated its Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service today, enhancing connectivity between Nepal and China.

The new route offers seamless travel between Nepal's capital and China's coastal city known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. The airline will operate this weekly service every Sunday.

The inaugural flight, H9 7220, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 9:15am local time and arrived at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport at 5:22pm local time, lasting five hours and 50 minutes. The first flight carried 113 passengers.

Dignitaries at the event included Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, among others.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Minister Kirati highlighted the tourism and trade potential between the two nations, inviting more Chinese tourists to Nepal.

'Qingdao is a very popular cultural and economic city of China. This development not only enhances connectivity but also exemplifies the commitment to strengthening the bonds between Nepal and China,' Minister Kirati said. 'The tourism and trade potential between the two nations is immense, and this flight service will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in realising that potential.'

Himalaya Airlines' President Zhou Enyong emphasised the route's importance in enhancing bilateral connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange.

'Today is a significant day for Himalaya Airlines as we celebrate the inauguration of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service. This is not just a flight route in the H9 network, it's a bridge between Nepal and China,' Zhou added.

Ambassador Song praised the collaboration between Nepal and China and its potential to transform Nepal's aviation industry.

Vijay Shrestha, vice-president and spokesperson for Himalaya Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, aiming to welcome one million Chinese tourists to Nepal.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 11, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.