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Himalaya Airlines is a private international Nepalese airline based at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Himalaya Airlines provides scheduled flights to 7 destinations in Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The airline was established in 2014 as a joint venture between Yeti World Investment Group and Tibet Airlines in order to connect China and Nepal. Currently, ownership of the company is shared between Tibet Airlines and Yeti World Investment Pvt Ltd. However, a change in the company's organisational structure towards the end of 2019 saw the Tibet Civil Aviation Development and Investment Company become a majority shareholder (this is unlikely to affect the operations of the airline).
Himalaya Airlines began operations using one aircraft and operating one route (Doha - Qatar), but this quickly expanded to three aircraft and five destinations across Asia. Himalaya Airlines was the first and remains the only airline that connects Nepal to Saudi Arabia.
Fun Fact: In its first year of operating, Himalaya Airlines received the 2017 international award for 'Leading New International Airlines in South Asia' at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), honouring the airline's commitment to developing a high standard of service!
The airline remains dedicated to its goal of building its connectivity with China. Flights to Beijing will begin on 27 October 2019, to be followed by flights to Changsha, Nanchang, Guiyang, and Chongqing - see below for more details.
Top Tip: Do you plan on exploring Nepal and/or the Himalayas? The easiest and quickest way to travel is by air! For more information, check out our guide: domestic flights within Nepal.
Did you know? When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can pay for your flights in Nepalese Rupee, as well as over 160 currency options.
Baggage Policy
Himalaya Airlines allow its passengers to bring limited baggage on board, free of charge. This depends on the route taken and the type of aircraft.
Carry-on Baggage
Passengers may carry one item of cabin luggage. Cabin luggage shouldn’t exceed 7kg / 15lbs. The overall dimension of the baggage should not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm or 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches.
Checked Baggage
All passengers are entitled to carry some baggage free of charge. But please note that baggage allowances vary, and are based on a number of factors including route, fare class, departure airport, arrival airport and flight length. Passengers are advised to check their ticket/booking to confirm the applicable free baggage allowance and excess baggage charges.
In most instances, the free checked baggage allowance will be as follows:
Premium: 40kg / 88lbs (25kg / 55lbs on the Kathmandu/Dhaka route)
Economy: 30kg / 66lbs (20kg / 44lbs on the Kathmandu/Dhaka route)
Cabin Classes
The airline's cabin offers between 120-180 Economy Seats and 8 Premium seats. In both cabins, passengers can enjoy a bright, modern, and clean interior, with comfortable reclinable seats with soft LED lighting.
Economy Class
Economy Facilities
In Economy Class, you can enjoy a choice of hot meals with complimentary hot and cold beverages. Food options will depend on the destination. Please note that no alcoholic beverages are served or permitted on any flights.
Economy Entertainment
You can also stay entertained onboard with Himalaya Airline's overhead screens featuring entertainment. There are 18 overhead screens throughout the Economy cabin.
There is also an in-flight magazine, called Danfe, to enjoy. All the major Nepali newspapers (both English & Nepali language) are available on board.
What are Economy Seats Like?
Enjoy spacious seating with the ability to recline up to 3-inch. The seats are 17.5 inches (440 mm) wide with 30 inches (760 mm) seat pitch.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy Facilities
The airline's Premium Economy offering is an upgrade on Economy. A wide range of food and drinks are available onboard. Enjoy a hot meal, with an appetizer and soft bread roll. Food options will depend on the destination. Please note that no alcoholic beverages are served or permitted on any flights.
Premium Economy Entertainment
There are two overhead TV screens serving the 8 Premium Economy seats, offering non-stop entertainment, from the latest blockbusters to TV shows and documentaries.
There is also an in-flight magazine, called Danfe, to enjoy. All the major Nepali newspapers (both English & Nepali language) are available on board.
All seats are built-in with a USB port.
What are Premium Economy Seats Like?
Enjoy comfortable seating with the ability to recline up to 7 inches. The seats are 26.9 inches (680 mm) wide with 43 inches (1,100 mm) seat pitch.
Check-In
Check-in for Himalaya Airlines can currently only be done at the airport.
Online Check-in
Online check-in is not currently available. It is advised that passengers arrive at their departing airport with plenty of time to spare.
Airport Check-in
Check-in deadlines are different at every airport. The airline recommends that passengers inform themselves of check-in deadlines and ensure they have plenty of time.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Himalaya Airlines does not offer a frequent flyer program.
Airline Alliance
Himalaya Airlines is not a member of an Airline Alliance.
Special Services
Himalaya Airlines offer a few special services onboard their aircraft.
Medical and Special Needs
The airline is dedicated to meeting the needs of its passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility, sensory impairments or any other physical challenges.
The airline asks that passengers requiring any special assistance inform the airline prior to travel, either at the time of booking or 48 hours before departure. When you make your booking through Alternative Airlines, you can make a note of any special requests which we will pass on to the airline, or you can contact our customer service team.
Flying With Pets
It is possible to transport your pet on a Himalaya Airlines flight, in the hold of the aircraft. It is important to inform the airline before flying - this can be done at the time of booking or by contacting our customer service team. Pets must be transported in suitable containers and will be subject to an additional charge.
Destinations that Himalaya Airlines flies to
As of September 2022, Himalaya airlines flies to the following international destinations from its hub in Kathmandu, Nepal:
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Hub Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport is an international airport based in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is the primary international airport in Nepal - if you're flying to Nepal, it's likely that you'll land at Tribhuvan (KTM). It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, about 3.1 miles from the city centre of Kathmandu. The airport has one domestic and one international terminal. At present, over 30 international airlines connect Nepal to destinations in Asia and the Middle East, and the airport serves as a hub for a number of Nepalese airlines, including Tara Air, Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines, amongst others.
Other airlines that fly to the airport include Air India, Air China, Air Arabia, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern, Summit Air, Kuber Airlines and many more.
Flights to Everest
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is one of the closest airports to Mt Everest.
The easiest and quickest way to reach Everest is to fly to Lukla Airport. The only airport you can fly to Lukla from is Tribhuvan International Airport. Himalaya Airlines provides flights from a number of international destinations to Tribhuvan International Airport, from which connecting flights can be made to Lukla Airport on a smaller carrier. For more information, check out our full guide to flying to Mt Everest.
Fleet
Himalaya Air has plans to add two A319s to its fleet in the near future. As of October 2019, the airline operates a fleet of the following aircraft:
- 1 Airbus A319-100 and 2x on order
- 3 Airbus A320-200
News
17th July 2022
Himalaya Airlines conducts first flight to Kuwait from Kathmandu
Himalaya Airlines has successfully connected Kuwait and Nepal with scheduled direct flights that took place on 16th July. The airline states it will operate this route from Kuwait every Friday and operate return flights back to Kathmandu every Saturday. According to Himalaya Airlines, this route will be operated with the Airbus A320.
6th June 2022
Himalaya Airlines leads return of China-Nepal flights
For the first time in two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Himalaya Airlines has reconnected China and Nepal with direct flights. The first flights between Kathmandu and Kunming took place on 31st May and were a result of a meeting between diplomats from both countries.