India’s aviation sector is set for a significant boost as two major airlines, SpiceJet and Air India Express, have received approvals to operate scheduled flights between India and Nepal. This move, sanctioned by Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN), is expected to enhance regional connectivity and improve accessibility for passengers travelling between the two neighbouring nations. Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has granted flight slots to both carriers, marking a crucial expansion in cross-border air travel.
SpiceJet, which had a robust presence on the Delhi-Kathmandu route before the COVID-19 pandemic, is making a strong comeback with daily flights. Meanwhile, Air India Express is entering Nepal’s aviation landscape for the first time with approval for two daily flights. Their inclusion strengthens the India-Nepal air corridor, which is currently serviced by Air India and IndiGo. With these new approvals, the number of Indian airlines operating regular flights to Nepal has now increased to four, reflecting growing demand for travel between the two countries. The revival and expansion of air connectivity are likely to benefit both tourism and trade, providing travellers with more flight options and competitive pricing.
This development comes at a crucial time as Nepal’s aviation sector undergoes key infrastructural enhancements. Maintenance work on TIA’s taxiway, which previously led to intermittent flight suspensions, has now been streamlined to avoid service disruptions. From April 1, the airport extended its operational hours to 18 hours a day, from 6 am to midnight, a significant increase from the 14-hour schedule that had been in place since October. These improvements are designed to handle increased flight volumes and enhance passenger experience, aligning with broader efforts to modernise Nepal’s aviation infrastructure.
The resumption of SpiceJet’s operations and Air India Express’s debut in Nepal signal a positive shift for regional connectivity and economic integration. Enhanced air travel links contribute to fostering stronger bilateral ties, supporting tourism, business exchanges, and cultural interactions between the two nations. As the aviation industry recovers from pandemic-induced disruptions, such strategic expansions are expected to drive growth while ensuring smoother, more sustainable travel experiences. With the right balance between economic progress and environmental responsibility, India and Nepal’s air travel landscape is poised for a new phase of development that prioritises efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.
SpiceJet Air India Express to start Kathmandu flights
