Yashodhara Air is an exciting new Nepalese startup airline set to launch in 2022. It’s being established by Buddha Air and will serve short takeoff and landing (STOL) services, specifically tailored to reach remote airfields in the challenging terrain of Nepal.
Yashodhara Air has strategically chosen two bases for its operations: Ramechhap Airport and Pokhara Airport. Choosing these bases shows the airline's commitment to accessibility and connectivity in the region, aiming to serve not only major hubs but also the more remote and underserved areas of Nepal.
Yashodhara Air was scheduled to begin operations in 2022 however as of 2023 there have been no more updates on its launch. In the meantime, you can take a look at our list of alternative airlines below, to discover carriers that operate similar routes.
Buddha Air is a Nepalese airline. It operates domestic and international services within Nepal and India. Its focus is mainly on serving larger towns and cities in Nepal. It was in 2020 that Buddha Air first announced plans to enter the rural aviation market in Nepal, to serve more remote communities despite the challenge of tough terrain.
Yashodhara Air has not yet made any official announcements regarding its baggage allowance as it hasn't launched yet. This includes details such as the allowed weight limits of baggage.
Yashodhara Air only has 1 cabin class - Economy class.
Due to the limited number of seats available in STOL aircraft, it is likely that the airline will only offer one class of service: Economy. However, the airline has already announced that ticket fares will be introduced. Although the onboard service will be the same, tiered ticket fares offer different levels of flexibility when it comes to whether the ticket can be cancelled or the date changed, etc.
Yashodhara Air passengers must check in at the airport since the airline doesn't offer online check in.
Online check-in is not currently available.
Airport check-in will close one hour before departure time. When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the designated airline check-in area with your ticket, baggage and valid ID.
Here at Alternative Airlines, we recommend passengers to arrive at the airport two hours before the scheduled departure time.
Yashodhara Air will operate flights to more remote domestic destinations within Nepal. With a strategic presence at two key bases, Ramecchap Airport and Pokhara Airport, the airline is set to offer essential access to Everest and Annapurna regions. Some of its planned destinations include Jomsom, Rara, Simkot and Nepalgunj (from Pokhara Airport).
The following airlines operate domestic flights within Nepal: Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, Yeti Airlines, Summit Air and Sita Air. Take a look at our guide to domestic flights within Nepal to find out more.
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Ramechhap Airport (IATA: RHP) is a modest domestic airport serving the municipality of Manthal, in the Bagmati Province of Nepal, 130km southeast of Kathmandu. The airport is owned by the government of Nepal and operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Sita Air and Tara Air operate charter flights from the airport.
Pokhara Airport (IATA: PKR) is a domestic airport serving the city of Pokhara in Nepal. Other airlines to operate scheduled passenger flights to/from the airport include: Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, Yeti Airlines, Summit Air and Sita Air.
Although yet to be confirmed, possible aircraft that Yashodhara Air may use include the Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter, Let L-410 and Cessna 408. The aircraft are optimal for STOL flights.