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Nepal Airlines

The national airline of Nepal, flying from Kathmandu

  • NepalCountry
  • RAIATA Code
  • RNAICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Nepal Airlines

Nepal Airlines is the national airline of Nepal, flying from Kathmandu to India, Southeast Asia, the Gulf and Hong Kong, plus domestic routes to remote mountain airports. Passengers can bring a 7 kg cabin bag, and checked allowances depend on the route. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Kathmandu, mountain flights and how it compares with Qatar Airways and Air India.

Founded in 1958 as Royal Nepal Airlines, it is one of the oldest airlines in South Asia. It flies Airbus A330 and A320 jets internationally and Twin Otters to small domestic airstrips.

Nepal Airlines flights to Kathmandu
Photo: Bikalpa Pokhrel / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Nepal Airlines

Nepal Airlines follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach. They cannot be recharged on board, and ICAO advises against using them to charge other devices during the flight.

Check-In at Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport is busy and has limited space, so arrive at least three hours before international flights. Domestic flights leave from a separate terminal next door.

Mountain weather often delays domestic flights in the morning, so leave time between connecting flights.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Small domestic aircraft have steps and no jet bridges, so request a wheelchair or other help in advance if you need it.

Mountain Flights and Trekking

Many visitors fly to Nepal for the Himalayas:

  • Domestic flights reach trekking gateways such as Lukla, Pokhara and Jomsom.
  • Weather can cancel flights, so add spare days to your trip.
  • Small aircraft have strict baggage limits, often around 10–15 kg.

Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu, paid in US dollars or other major currencies.

How to Find Cheap Nepal Airlines Flights

Cheap Nepal Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Avoid Dashain and Tihar, when Nepalis abroad return home.
  • Compare connections via Delhi, Doha and Kuala Lumpur.
  • Book trekking-season flights early, especially October and April.
  • Check your baggage allowance before you pack.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Qatar Airways, Air India and others.

Nepal Airlines vs Qatar Airways vs Air India

Three airlines on routes to and from Kathmandu.

Nepal AirlinesQatar AirwaysAir India
HubKathmanduDohaDelhi
AllianceNoneoneworldStar Alliance
Economy cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
Flies to the EUNoYesYes

See our Qatar Airways guide and Air India guide to compare.

Arriving in Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport is about 6 km from Thamel, the main tourist area. Prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, and many hotels offer pick-ups.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Nepal Airlines a Good Airline?

It offers direct flights from Kathmandu at fair prices and reaches remote domestic airstrips, though its fleet is small and delays are common.

For long journeys, connecting through Doha, Dubai or Delhi on a larger airline is often more reliable.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Alternative Airlines’ airline profile. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It mainly sells its own flights from Kathmandu.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the hub for international and domestic flights.

Popular Nepal Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Kathmandu with Delhi, Bengaluru, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Dubai and Hong Kong, plus domestic flights. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Nepal Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Change and refund rules depend on the fare you buy and are shown when you book.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference.

  • Changes Fee plus any fare difference, by fare.
  • Refunds Depend on the fare rules.
  • How to change Contact the airline or your travel agent.

Nepal Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals are served on international flights. Seats are usually assigned at check-in.

Business Class is available on Airbus A330 flights.

  • Meals Included on international flights.
  • Seats Assigned at check-in.
  • Business Available on A330 flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Nepal Airlines Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg plus a personal item such as a handbag or laptop.

Checked allowances depend on the route and are shown on your ticket, usually 20–30 kg in Economy on international flights. Domestic flights on small aircraft have lower limits.

  • Cabin bag Up to 7 kg plus a personal item.
  • International checked Usually 20–30 kg in Economy, by route.
  • Domestic Lower limits on small aircraft.
  • Excess baggage Charged at check-in.

Nepal Airlines Loyalty Programme

Nepal Airlines does not promote an active frequent flyer programme. Its main appeal is direct flights from Kathmandu to India, the Gulf and Asia.

  • Programme None active.
  • Tip Compare fares with baggage included before you book.

Nepal Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Nepal Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is RA. It appears in flight numbers (for example RA 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is RNA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Nepal Airlines part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Nepal Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.

04When was Nepal Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1958.

05What are Nepal Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Kathmandu (KTM) – Main Hub.

06What is the Nepal Airlines cabin baggage allowance?

One cabin bag of up to 7 kg plus a personal item such as a handbag or laptop.

07Can Nepal Airlines fly to Europe?

No. All Nepalese airlines are on the EU air safety list and cannot fly to the European Union.

08Where does Nepal Airlines fly?

From Kathmandu to India, Malaysia, Qatar, the UAE and Hong Kong, plus domestic routes.

09What aircraft does Nepal Airlines fly?

Airbus A330 and A320 jets on international routes and Twin Otters on domestic routes.

10Can I use a power bank on Nepal Airlines?

On Nepal Airlines you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Nepal Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Nepal Airlines Corporation and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nepal Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.