Diaspora of the delegates present in the press meet held by Himalaya Airlines at TIA today. Photo: Bishal Shrestha, SATV

Kathmandu, Bhadra 24: Himalayan Airlines is operating its first direct flight from Kathmandu to Qingdao, the eastern province from September 10, 2023.

The inaugural flight was held today morning at the departure of 9:15 am in the flight holding its inaugural flight in the flight number X97220. The flight carries 114 passenger in total with 30 Nepali and 84 Chinese and will reach to Qingdao in 5hr and 39 minutes travel.

It is the first post pandemic connectivity to China to expand the bilateral connectivity. Without any demand created through the density of destinations markets, the airlines vows to boost more tourism between the two countries.

Holding a press conference on Sept. 10, today, Himalayan Airlines informs that they are regulating a direct flight from Kathmandu to Qingdao via Beijing route. Qingdao ends at the yellow sea which connects Asia to Europe.

CEO of Himalayan Airlines, Zhou Enyong giving his Welcome speech said that the purpose of the new flight between two new points of Nepal and China is the geological connectivity between China and Nepal with the promotion of tourism economic and trade between two countries contributing to enjoy different climates of China.

Chen Song on behalf of Chinese Embassy to Nepal expresses that the new air routes between China and Nepal fulfills Belt and Road(BRI) objective by strengthening aviation ties and jointly building Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network. He added, "the launch of this air route by Himalaya Airlines will bring new vitality to connections and cooperation between us, and also inject momentum into Nepal’s transition from a landlocked country to a land-linked nation". Mr. Song believes this step to foster economic benefits and friendship between two nations.

Honourable minister Mr. Sudan Kirati expresses that it is a bright news of new flight will welcome more guests to our home. He further requests ambassador to connect Nepal to other various provinces of the China.

Closing remarks by Vice President Vijay Shrestha presents Himalayan Airlines objective to operate direct regular flights in at least ten points of China's tourism destination.