Nepal Airlines flights and airline information

About

Nepal Airlines is the national carrier of Nepal, fulfilling an important mission to connect the high-altitude country with the major metropolises of Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1958, the airline is the oldest and flagship carrier of the state, ensuring reliable air connections in unique geographical conditions. The company's main hub is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

The modern Nepal Airlines fleet is dominated by Airbus aircraft, which helps maintain high safety standards on international flights. The company pays special attention to the development of tourism, offering convenient flights to the foothills of the world's greatest mountains and providing transport accessibility for the region.

IATA codeRA
Fleet size6
Passenger traffic640,000
Destinations12
HubKathmandu

A key feature of the carrier is its authentic hospitality, which passengers begin to experience on board through traditional cuisine and attentive service. Despite its compact fleet, the airline (IATA code: RA) successfully competes on popular routes, linking Nepal with cities such as Delhi, Dubai, and Tokyo.

The airline plays a vital role in the social life of the country, providing not only international passenger traffic but also essential domestic flights. Striving for continuous development, Nepal Airlines implements modern booking systems and improves the quality of ground handling at its home hub.

Contacts

  • Official website: nepalairlines.com.np
  • Main hotline: +977-1-4220757
  • Call center: +977-1-5970460
  • Email: info@nac.com.np
  • Online booking support: raonline@nac.com.np
  • Social media: Nepal Airlines Corporation (Facebook)
  • Mobile app: Nepal Airlines (available for iOS and Android)
  • Headquarters address: Nepal Airlines Corporation Building, Kantipath, Kathmandu 401, Nepal
  • Flight inquiry service: toll-free number 1618070757020

We recommend checking the latest contact information on the airline's official website before your trip.

Baggage

Carry-on baggage rules for Nepal Airlines (code RA) typically allow passengers to take one bag weighing up to 7 kg into the cabin. The dimensions of carry-on baggage must not exceed the standard 55x40x20 cm. Additionally, a small personal item, such as a laptop bag or a camera, is permitted.

Checked baggage allowances depend on the fare and class of service. For economy class passengers on international flights, the standard limit is often 20–30 kg, while in Shangri-La business class, the allowance may be increased to 40 kg. It is recommended to check the exact conditions on your itinerary receipt, as rules can vary depending on the specific destination.

Additional fees for exceeding weight or piece limits are charged according to the airline's rates directly at the departure airport. Transportation of special gear, such as mountain trekking equipment or musical instruments, requires mandatory prior coordination with customer support.

To ensure safety on board, it is forbidden to carry explosive, flammable, or toxic substances. We recommend that passengers pack fragile items securely and not check in valuables, documents, or electronic devices.

Pet Rules

Animal Transportation in the Cabin and Baggage Compartment

Nepal Airlines provides the option to transport pets; however, this service requires prior confirmation. Only small pets in special carriers can travel in the cabin if the total weight of the animal and the container does not exceed set limits. Larger animals are transported as checked baggage in a heated cargo compartment.

Required Documents and Requirements

  • A valid international veterinary passport.
  • Vaccination certificates (rabies vaccination is mandatory).
  • A veterinary certificate issued by government authorities.
  • An import/export permit from the livestock department of the destination country.

Restrictions and Recommendations

The cost of transporting animals is calculated based on excess baggage rates. It is important to note that the transport of brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) may be restricted due to health risks to the animals under conditions of pressure and temperature changes. The airline recommends submitting a pet transport request no later than 48 hours before the flight departure.

Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program

Currently, Nepal Airlines does not have a widely promoted international loyalty program with a mile accumulation system similar to alliance programs. The airline's main focus is on providing affordable fares for all categories of passengers.

Passenger Privileges

  • Special offers for groups and corporate clients on domestic routes.
  • Personalized service in Shangri-La business class.
  • Access to comfortable airport lounges in Kathmandu for holders of higher-category tickets.

Despite the lack of a formal bonus system, the airline (IATA code: RA) periodically runs promotions and offers discounts on popular international routes to Bangkok and Dubai. It is recommended to follow the news on the official website so as not to miss temporary bonus offers.

Services

For its passengers, Nepal Airlines offers two main classes of service. Shangri-La Class (Business Class) provides an enhanced level of comfort: wide seats with an increased recline angle, priority registration, and access to business lounges. Economy class focuses on flight affordability while maintaining basic service standards and Nepalese hospitality.

Onboard meals are included in the ticket price for most international flights. The menu includes Nepalese, Indian, and continental dishes adapted to passenger preferences. On long-haul flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, an entertainment system with a selection of movies, music, and programs is available.

Special services, such as assistance for unaccompanied minors or support for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested in advance. The airline also offers a selection of special onboard meals (vegetarian, diabetic, halal), which must be ordered at least 24 hours before flight departure.

Destinations

The route network of Nepal Airlines connects high-altitude Nepal with key economic centers in Asia. The main link and the carrier's primary hub is Kathmandu, from where regular flights are operated to India, Thailand, Japan, Qatar, and the UAE.

The flight geography is focused on providing convenient connections for both foreign tourists and residents of the region. The airline (code RA) operates flights to metropolises such as Delhi, Tokyo, and Dubai, maintaining stable air links between the Himalayan region and the rest of the world.

Booking Tips

To find the best fares on Nepal Airlines flights, we recommend booking tickets as early as possible, especially during high tourist seasons (spring and autumn). The optimal time to buy tickets is 2–3 months before the trip. Please note that the airline separates booking channels for domestic and international flights on its official website.

When booking through the website, you can select your preferred seats in the cabin. Keep in mind that the sales office in Kathmandu is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00 local time. In case of difficulties with online payment, it is recommended to contact technical support at raonline@nac.com.np.

We advise passengers to check in online in advance to avoid queues at the airport. Also, do not forget to take out comprehensive travel insurance: due to specific weather conditions in the mountainous region, flights may be delayed, and insurance will help minimize financial risks.

History

The history of Nepal Airlines began in July 1958 with the establishment of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC). At the time of its founding, the fleet consisted of just one Douglas DC-3 aircraft, which performed domestic flights and connected Nepal with Indian cities, opening the mountain kingdom to the world.

In the 1970s, the company entered the jet age, beginning operations with Boeing 727 aircraft. This allowed for a significant expansion of flight geography, including cities in Southeast Asia and even Europe in the route network. The airline became an important symbol of national prestige and the main link to the outside world.

In the following decades, the carrier underwent stages of fleet modernization, gradually transitioning to the use of modern Airbus airliners. Based at the international airport of Kathmandu, the company changed its name to Nepal Airlines and focused on strengthening its position in the Asian region.

Key milestones in recent history include the acquisition of wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, which allowed for direct flights to Tokyo and the Middle East. Despite the country's challenging terrain and weather conditions, the airline continues to develop its network, connecting Nepal with cities such as Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Today, Nepal Airlines (IATA code: RA) remains the flagship carrier, playing a key role in the country's economy. The company actively implements digital technologies in its booking and service processes while preserving the traditions of Nepalese hospitality accumulated over decades of work in the sky.

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