Air India Express, SpiceJet
In a significant boost to air connectivity between India and Nepal, two Indian carriers, SpiceJet and Air India Express, have received approvals from the civil aviation authority of Nepal to operate regular flights to and from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). This development marks a notable enhancement in bilateral travel options and is expected to foster closer ties between the neighbouring nations.
SpiceJet, which had a presence on the Delhi-Kathmandu route prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to resume its daily flights on this sector. The airline's return is anticipated to provide passengers with more choices and flexibility, thereby stimulating tourism and business exchanges.
Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, is making its debut in Nepal with the introduction of two daily flights connecting India and Kathmandu. This expansion aligns with the airline's broader strategy to increase its international footprint, as evidenced by its recent plans to launch services to Dhaka and Kathmandu, as well as enhanced operations from northeastern Indian cities like Guwahati, Agartala, and Imphal.
With the addition of SpiceJet and Air India Express, the total number of Indian airlines operating regular flights between India and Nepal rises to four, joining the ranks of Air India and IndiGo. This increase in carriers is expected to enhance competition, potentially leading to better services and more competitive fares for travelers.
In related developments, maintenance work on the taxiway at TIA, which previously necessitated flight suspensions, has been adjusted to allow continuous flight operations from April 1. The airport now operates 18 hours daily, from 6 a.m. to midnight, facilitating increased flight movements and accommodating the growing demand for air travel in the region.
These initiatives underscore a mutual commitment to strengthening air travel links, promoting tourism, and enhancing economic cooperation between India and Nepal.
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