KATHMANDU: Himalaya Airlines has launched direct scheduled flights between Kathmandu and Shenzhen, becoming the first carrier to operate nonstop services on the route.

The inaugural flight departed from Tribhuvan International Airport on June 4 and arrived in Shenzhen the following morning. The return flight from Shenzhen landed in Kathmandu on June 5.

The airline is operating the route with a 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft and has initially scheduled two weekly round trips. Flights from Kathmandu operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with return flights from Shenzhen on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Himalaya Airlines said the new route will enhance connectivity between Nepal and Shenzhen, one of China’s leading economic and technology hubs, while supporting tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries