Cathay Airlines will start operating direct flight from Hong Kong to Kathmandu from October 1.

The flag carrier of Hong Kong has obtained permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to conduct one flight a week (Saturday), informed CAAN’s Spokesperson Jagannath Niruala.

According to Niraula, the airline’s authority has already completed all the process for operating direct flight. The Airline has requested 12:00pm to 1:00pm slot while the CAAN is mulling to provide the Airlines slot after 8:00pm, he shared.

Presently, Nepal Airlines has been operating flights from Kathmandu to Hong Kong and vice versa.

Hong Kong is considered an important aviation destination due to dominance of the Nepali diaspora there.

Meanwhile, a total of 26 international airlines, including two Nepalis, have been operating international flights to and from Tribhuvan International Airport at present.

International airlines belonging to 21 nations, including Nepal, have been operating direct flights to respective nations.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TIA had been witnessing operation of international airlines from 30 nations.