The Nepal Weekly 
September 12, 2023
Himalaya Airlines has launched its Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight services starting from September 10, 2023. The inaugural flight of the Nepal- China joint venture commenced at 9.15 on Sunday.
“This historic event marks a significant milestone in Himalaya Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting bilateral ties between Nepal and China,” reads a statement issued by the airlines.
“The new Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu route will offer passengers seamless travel options between the capital city of Nepal and the coastal city of China, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and economic significance.”
The Airlines is dedicated to providing convenient, safe, and efficient travel experiences for its passengers, the press release says adding “the airline is set to operate its weekly service for this route scheduled for every Sunday from now onwards.”
The first outbound flight, H9 7220, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 9:15 hours (local time) will arrive at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport at 17:22 hours (local time) in Qingdao, carrying a total of 113 passengers, with a flight duration of 5 hours and 50 minutes, according to the airlines.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati and Chinse ambassador to Nepal Chen Song were present during the inauguration of the flight. “The tourism and trade potential between Nepal and China is immense, and this flight service will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in realizing that potential,” minister Kirati remarked. “I believe that through this new route Himalaya Airlines will bring in more and more Chinese tourists to Nepal.”
“The launch of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service is a testament to the growing collaboration between Nepal and China. It represents a new chapter in our bilateral relations, facilitating not only tourism and trade but also cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections,” Chinese ambassador to Nepal Chen Song noted.
President of the airlines Zhou Enyong remarked, “Today is a significant day for Himalaya Airlines as we celebrate the inauguration of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service.” “This is not just a flight route in the H9 network9 networkH9 ; it’s a bridge between Nepal and China,” he noted adding “Qingdao is an essential commercial & financial center of China and it is a city which also connects Asia with Europe.”
Vice president Vijaya Shrestha, also the spokesperson of Himalaya Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly launched route, stating, ” The main mission of Himalaya is to be able to operate flights to 10 different tourism sectors of China and welcome 1 million tourists to Nepal in the near future.”
The Himalaya Airlines fleet has total 4 aircrafts: three Airbus 320-214 and one Airbus 319-115. It is currently operating passenger flights to prominent countries of Middle East & South Asia: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bangladesh & China.
