Nepal Airlines: Connecting the Himalayas to the World Established on July 1, 1958, as Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, Nepal Airlines is the flag carrier and oldest airline of Nepal. Headquartered in Kathmandu, the airline commenced operations with a single Douglas DC-3 Dakota, serving domestic destinations such as Simara, Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Bhairahawa. Over the decades, Nepal Airlines expanded its fleet and network, introducing aircraft like the Fokker F-27 Friendship in 1966 and acquiring its first jetliner, a Boeing 727, in 1972 . Fleet and Operations As of 2025, Nepal Airlines operates a fleet of six aircraft, including Airbus A320s and A330s, serving 10 international destinations such as Riyadh, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Narita, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Domestically, the airline connects more than 25 destinations across Nepal, with regional hubs in Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, and Pokhara . Cabin Classes and Services On international flights, Nepal Airlines offers two classes: Shangri-La Class (Business) and Economy. Shangri-La Class features 18 seats on Airbus A330 aircraft and 8 seats on Airbus A320s, providing passengers with gourmet meals and a selection of beverages, including complimentary wine and cocktails. Economy Class passengers are served meals with options like fish, chicken, or mutton, and vegetarian meals are available upon request. The A330 aircraft are equipped with an in-flight entertainment system offering a variety of movies, TV programs, and music albums . Strategic Partnerships Nepal Airlines has established codeshare agreements with Druk Air and interline agreements with several international carriers, including Emirates, Japan Airlines, Kuwait Airways, and APG Airlines. These partnerships enhance connectivity for passengers traveling beyond Nepal Airlines' direct routes . Challenges and Outlook Despite its rich history, Nepal Airlines has faced challenges, including being on the European Union's list of air carriers banned from operating in the EU since 2013 due to safety concerns. The airline has been working towards improving its safety standards and operational efficiency to regain access to European markets .