Himalaya to launch first direct flights between Kathmandu, Shenzhen

Dhaka: Nepal's Himalaya Airlines is set to become the first commercial carrier to operate direct scheduled flights between Kathmandu and Shenzhen, China, when the route launches on June 4.

The airline will operate the inaugural Kathmandu–Shenzhen service (H9985) from Tribhuvan International Airport, departing at 9:50 pm and arriving at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport at 04:30 am the following morning. The return flight (H9986) departs Shenzhen at 05:55 am and lands in Kathmandu at 08:55 am the same day.

Himalaya Airlines will initially operate two weekly frequencies, with outbound flights from Kathmandu on Tuesdays and Thursdays and return services from Shenzhen on Wednesdays and Fridays. The airline said it plans to review and potentially increase frequencies based on passenger demand and load factors.

Shenzhen, widely regarded as China's Silicon Valley and the country's first Special Economic Zone, is a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and finance. The new route is expected to serve leisure tourists, business travelers, trade delegations, students, and cultural exchange participants.

The timing of the launch is also strategically considered. By commencing during early summer — traditionally a lean period for Nepal's inbound tourism — the airline aims to boost visitor arrivals and support Nepal's hospitality sector.

"The main mission of Himalaya Airlines is to operate flights to ten different tourism and economic sectors across China and to welcome one million Chinese tourists to Nepal," said Vijay Shrestha, Vice President and spokesperson of the airline.

The Kathmandu–Shenzhen route aligns with Himalaya Airlines' broader strategy to establish direct air links to ten key cities across China, promoting bilateral tourism and trade between Nepal and China.