Nepal Airlines Commences Special Flight Operations to the Gulf
In a major relief for Nepali nationals affected by recent travel disruptions, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has officially begun operating special flights to key Gulf destinations starting Friday, April 3. This emergency measure follows an initiative by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to facilitate the return and movement of citizens caught in the wake of escalating tensions and security concerns in West Asia. Since February 28, regular flight services to several Gulf countries had remained suspended, creating a significant bottleneck for the Nepali workforce abroad.
The decision to resume limited air connectivity was finalized during a high-level coordination meeting held on March 31. The session included top officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the government mandated a three-day special flight window from April 3 to April 5 to ensure that essential travel needs are met while the broader regional security situation remains under observation.
According to the approved flight schedule, a Kathmandu–Dubai flight (RA 229) successfully departed on April 3, with the return Dubai–Kathmandu leg (RA 230) slated for April 4. Furthermore, the national flag carrier has scheduled a Kathmandu–Dammam flight (RA 241) and its corresponding return (RA 242) for April 5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude toward Nepal Airlines and acknowledged the critical support provided by Rastriya Beema Company Limited for facilitating the necessary insurance coverage for these high-priority operations.
This logistical push follows other humanitarian efforts in the region. Earlier this week, on April 1, a Kuwait Airways flight landed at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, carrying 291 passengers. Notably, that flight also returned the mortal remains of nine Nepali nationals who had passed away in Kuwait due to unrelated causes, highlighting the ongoing effort to support the diaspora during this period of uncertainty.
The Government of Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens residing abroad. Officials stated that they will continue to coordinate closely with international agencies and aviation bodies to maintain essential international connectivity. As the situation in West Asia evolves, the government remains prepared to adjust flight schedules and provide further assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nepali travelers.
