Kathmandu: Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, has earned close to Rs 6 billion from flight operations during the first four months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (mid-July to mid-November), according to figures released by the airline.
Based on data covering the period from Shrawan to Kartik, the airline transported a total of 224,016 passengers on domestic and international routes, generating revenue of Rs 5.71 billion. This reflects a notable improvement in performance compared to the same period last year.
In the first four months of the previous fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal Airlines carried 158,000 international passengers and earned Rs 4.51 billion. This year’s revenue is higher by Rs 1.16 billion, an increase of 25.79 percent year-on-year.
The airline attributes this growth largely to improved fleet availability. During the same period last year, both of its narrow-body aircraft were sent for engine maintenance, and one aircraft remained grounded for nearly 80 days. This year, no aircraft underwent heavy C-check maintenance in the first four months, allowing for more consistent flight operations and higher revenue.
Domestic flights accounted for only a small portion of total earnings. Nepal Airlines carried just 5,678 passengers on domestic routes during the four-month period, earning Rs 35 million, or an average of about Rs 8.7 million per month. The airline operates only two Twin Otter aircraft for domestic services, which are primarily used for service-oriented flights to remote regions, resulting in relatively low passenger numbers and revenue.
The bulk of Nepal Airlines’ income continues to come from international operations. The airline currently operates four aircraft for international routes—two wide-body and two narrow-body planes.
During the four-month period, Nepal Airlines served 218,338 passengers across 11 international destinations, generating total international revenue of Rs 5.68 billion.
Japan emerged as the airline’s most lucrative destination. Flights to and from Japan generated Rs 1.68 billion in revenue, with 23,922 passengers served. Of these, 12,149 passengers flew from Kathmandu to Japan, generating Rs 894.2 million, while 11,773 passengers traveled from Japan to Kathmandu, earning the airline Rs 795.1 million.
Nepal Airlines currently operates three flights per week to Japan, with departures from Kathmandu on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and return flights on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
The second most profitable destination after Japan was Doha, Qatar. The airline earned Rs 1.28 billion by serving 46,680 passengers on this route. Flights from Kathmandu to Doha carried around 25,000 passengers and generated Rs 780 million, while flights from Doha to Kathmandu transported about 21,000 passengers and earned Rs 490 million.
Nepal Airlines operates five flights per week to Doha, reflecting Qatar’s importance as a major destination for Nepali migrant workers. Flights operate every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
The recently added Guangzhou route has so far generated relatively modest returns. The airline carried 651 passengers on this route during the period, earning Rs 17 million. Nepal Airlines operates three weekly flights to Guangzhou, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
In terms of flight frequency, Delhi remains the busiest destination, with daily flights operating seven times a week. Over the past four months, the airline served 47,000 passengers on the Kathmandu–Delhi route, generating revenue of Rs 436.3 million.
During the same period, Nepal Airlines carried 38,000 passengers to and from Dubai, earning Rs 810.2 million. Flights to Malaysia served 16,000 passengers and generated Rs 393.5 million, while Bangkok flights carried 11,000 passengers and earned Rs 306.4 million.
The airline also earned Rs 259.3 million from flights to Hong Kong, serving 6,600 passengers, Rs 104 million from Mumbai with 8,100 passengers, Rs 135 million from Bangalore with 10,000 passengers, and Rs 249.8 million from Dammam with 9,000 passengers.
According to Nepal Airlines’ data, the average revenue per international passenger during the four-month period stood at approximately Rs 26,000. With total international earnings of Rs 5.68 billion from 218,333 passengers, the figures highlight the airline’s continued reliance on international routes for financial sustainability.
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