Nepal requests China to resume direct flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa

KATHMANDU, April 04:Nepal has requested China to allow direct flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Nepal made this proposal to the Chinese side at the first meeting of the Nepal-China Border Trade Mechanism, which was held in Lhasa, Tibet, on March 29.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply reports that the air service, which was halted due to Covid-19, has been asked to resume operations as it will boost travel and business between the two nations.

Joint Secretary and Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi stated that the Chinese side had responded favorably to the request to open all trade channels with Nepal in accordance with Chinese policy. Regmi continued, "The work of upgrading the airport is going on and the necessary decision will be taken soon according to Nepal's request. We have requested to resume the air service, and they are positive.

Air services are currently connected to Kathmandu-Chengdu-Lhasa and Lhasa-Chengdu-Kathmandu via a circuitous route because there is no direct flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

The covid pandemic in China has caused Chinese airline companies to suspend flights to a number of nations beginning in February 2020. Flights to Nepal were consequently halted as well. Since Nepal's government began the lockdown on the nation on March 24, 2020, the route has been closed.

After the COVID-19, five airlines began operating regular flights between China and Nepal. The summer schedule connecting Chengdu-Kathmandu, China Eastern to Kunming, China Southern to Guangzhou, and Himalaya Airlines to connect Kunming and Beijing to Kathmandu has been approved by Air China and Sichuan Airlines.