KATHMANDU, APRIL 3 Nepal Airlines has begun operating special flights to Gulf destinations from Friday to facilitate Nepali nationals affected by recent travel disruptions. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the special flights are being operated from April 3 to 5 following an initiative by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting held on March 31 involving officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and Nepal Airlines. Regular flights to several Gulf destinations had been suspended since February 28 due to escalating tensions and security concerns in West Asia, prompting the government to arrange special services to ensure continued air connectivity and assist Nepali travellers. Under the schedule, a Kathmandu–Dubai flight (RA 229) is operating on April 3, followed by a return Dubai–Kathmandu flight (RA 230) on April 4. Similarly, Kathmandu–Dammam (RA 241) and Dammam–Kathmandu (RA 242) flights are scheduled for April 5. The ministry expressed appreciation to Nepal Airlines for arranging the flights and acknowledged the support of Rastriya Beema Company Limited for facilitating necessary insurance coverage. Earlier, on April 1, a Kuwait Airways flight landed at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa carrying 291 passengers and the bodies of nine Nepali nationals who had died in Kuwait due to unrelated causes. The government said it would continue coordinating with relevant agencies to safeguard the interests of Nepali citizens and maintain essential international connectivity.