KATHMANDU: Due to escalating tensions and a deteriorating security situation in West Asia, the government has begun operating special rescue and facilitation flights for Nepali citizens in the region starting today.

The decision followed a high-level meeting on Thursday, initiated by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, directing Nepal Airlines Corporation to conduct flights from April 3 to April 5 after regular services were suspended on February 28.

According to the schedule, a Kathmandu-Dubai flight departed today at 11:15 PM, with a return Dubai-Kathmandu flight on April 4 at 4:10 AM. A Kathmandu-Dammam flight is set for April 5 at 8:30 AM, followed by a return Dammam-Kathmandu flight at 12:20 PM the same day.

Earlier, on April 1, at least 291 Nepalis and the bodies of nine deceased nationals were brought back via Kuwait Airways to Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.