Nepal AirlinesRA

Nepal Airlines is the flag carrier of Nepal, headquartered in Kathmandu. Founded in 1958 as Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, the airline was renamed Nepal Airlines Corporation in 2007 following the abolition of the monarchy. As the country's national carrier, it plays a crucial role connecting landlocked Nepal to the world.

The airline operates both domestic services within Nepal and international routes to destinations in South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Nepal Airlines serves as a vital link for the country's tourism industry, transporting visitors heading to the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and popular trekking destinations like Annapurna and Langtang.

Nepal Airlines operates a mixed fleet including Airbus A320 and A330 widebody aircraft for international routes, ATR 72 turboprops for domestic mountain routes, and Harbin Y-12 for remote STOL (short takeoff and landing) airfields in Nepal's challenging terrain.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• Weight limit: 7 kg (Economy), 10 kg (Business)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Cabin Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Combined Weight
Economy	✓ Included	✓ 7 kg	7 kg
Business	✓ Included	✓ 10 kg	10 kg

Checked Baggage

Domestic Flights:

Class	Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Business	2 bags	30 kg (66 lbs)

International Flights:

Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1-2 bags	30 kg (66 lbs)
Business	2 bags	40 kg (88 lbs)

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Route Variations:

• Gulf routes (Dubai, Doha): Generally 30 kg economy allowance
• India routes: 20-25 kg economy allowance
• Japan/Hong Kong routes: Piece concept, typically 2 x 23 kg

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic:

• Excess baggage: NPR 150-200 per kg

International:

• Varies by route: $5-15 USD per kg (or equivalent)
• Prepay online when available for potential savings

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Trekking equipment	Standard	Counts as checked bag
Golf clubs	Standard	Within weight limits
Skis/snowboard	Standard	Oversize may apply
Car seat	Free	For traveling infants
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Mobility aids always free

Verify current fees at nepalairlines.com.np/baggage-information

Nepal Airlines operates different aircraft for domestic and international routes, resulting in varied experiences.

Business Class (A330 International):

• 2-2-2 configuration on widebody aircraft
• Angled lie-flat seats on long-haul routes
• Priority boarding and dedicated cabin service
• Enhanced meal service with Nepali specialties
• Amenity kit on longer flights

Economy Class (A330/A320 International):

• A330: 2-4-2 configuration, 32" pitch
• A320: 3-3 configuration, 30-31" pitch
• Personal entertainment on A330 routes
• Complimentary meals and beverages on all flights

Domestic (ATR 72):

• 2-2 configuration, 76 seats
• 30" pitch, standard regional seating
• Snacks and beverages on longer sectors
• Spectacular Himalayan views on mountain routes

Domestic STOL (Harbin Y-12):

• 17-seat turboprop
• Basic seating for short mountain hops
• Used for challenging airfields like Lukla

Dining:

• Full meal service on international flights
• Nepali cuisine featured (dal bhat, momo)
• International options available
• Special meals with advance request
• Light refreshments on domestic sectors

Entertainment:

• Seatback screens on A330 widebody aircraft
• Limited entertainment on narrowbody A320
• No in-flight entertainment on domestic turboprops

Booking:

• Book direct on nepalairlines.com.np for Nepali Rupee pricing
• Compare with travel agents for package deals
• Book mountain flights well in advance during peak season
• Domestic tickets can sell out during festivals (Dashain, Tihar)

For Trekkers:

• Lukla flights are weather-dependent—build buffer days into itinerary
• Consider Ramechhap (Manthali) as alternative gateway to Everest region
• Domestic baggage limits may require prepaid excess for trekking gear
• Keep essential items in carry-on in case checked bags are delayed

At Kathmandu Airport:

• Arrive early—check-in and security can be slow
• Domestic terminal is basic; limited food options
• Exchange currency before clearing immigration on arrival
• Confirm flight status morning of departure for domestic routes

Payment:

• Prices often quoted in both NPR and USD
• International credit cards accepted for online bookings
• Cash (NPR or USD) may be required at domestic counters

Connecting Flights:

• Allow minimum 4-5 hours for international connections via KTM
• Reconfirm domestic flights 24-72 hours before departure
• Have backup plan for weather-affected mountain routes

Best Routes:

• A330 widebody service to Gulf destinations (Dubai, Doha) for best experience
• Mountain flights offer spectacular Himalayan views—request window seat
• Pokhara route shows Annapurna and Machapuchare on clear days

What to Know:

• Nepal Airlines is the national carrier with government ownership
• Service levels more modest than international premium carriers
• Excellent value for Nepal domestic network
• Important lifeline for remote mountain communities