SpiceJet and Air India Express have received approval from Nepal’s civil aviation authorities to operate regular flights between India and Nepal, further strengthening air connectivity between the two neighboring nations. According to Hansa Raj Pandey, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), both airlines have been granted scheduled approval and allocated slots at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
SpiceJet, which had previously maintained regular flights to Nepal before suspending operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume its services with daily flights. Before the hiatus, the airline primarily operated flights between Delhi and Kathmandu. Meanwhile, Air India Express is making its debut in Nepal’s aviation market and has received approval to operate two flights per day.
With the addition of these two airlines, the total number of Indian carriers serving the India-Nepal route will rise to four, joining Air India and IndiGo, which already operate flights between the two countries. The increased presence of Indian airlines is expected to improve travel options for passengers, support tourism growth, and facilitate smoother business and trade exchanges between the two nations.
The approval comes at a time when air travel demand between India and Nepal is steadily increasing, driven by tourism, family visits, and business travel. Kathmandu remains a key international destination for Indian airlines, given the historical, cultural, and economic ties shared by both countries.
Nepal’s aviation sector has been gradually recovering post-pandemic, and the inclusion of new airlines is expected to further enhance connectivity. The expansion of flight operations also aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen regional connectivity under various bilateral agreements. Passengers traveling between the two countries can now expect more flight options, competitive fares, and improved service offerings.