Before the 1950s, air service in Nepal was virtually nonexistent. Airfields did not exist, and the few pilots flying in had to buzz the field below to scare off the cows before landing. Few foreigners ventured into Nepal, and until 1951 there was no civil aviation service. Nepal now flies its own national flag carrier to destinations throughout Nepal, Southeast Asia and the Far East.
Established in July of 1958, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation began with a single DC-3 and 96 personnel. Flights went only to heavier-populated areas in the interior of Nepal and to major cities in India. The airline went international in 1960, and by 1970 was able to grant access to the more remote areas of the nation.
From its first used DC-3, Royal Nepal Airlines has grown to a fleet of two Boeing 757 jets (which carry 190 passengers) for its international flights and seven DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft (which carry 19 passengers), used to fly to remote interior areas of the country. These are used where large runways are not available; Nepal is 90 percent mountainous.
Royal Nepal Airline Corporation flies to ten international destinations, mainly Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in India, six cities such as Bangkok and Hong Kong in Southeast/Far East Asia, and Dubai in the Middle East as well as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It also connects more than 30 destinations inside Nepal itself.
Nepal has specific regulations regarding items allowed in the country, and screens incoming passengers stridently. Foreigners are allowed to bring in minimal amounts of cash, jewelry, food and electronics (a limit of one wristwatch) and are highly recommended to check the detailed airline regulations before embarking on their trip. Failure to do so will result in delayed entry and possible rejection or loss of belongings.
With Mt. Everest and seven other of the highest peaks in the world lying within the boundaries of its kingdom, the lure of Nepal can't be denied. However, Nepal is a remote country with its own customs and this should be taken into consideration before embarking on a trip with Royal Nepal Airlines. Contact the consulate and familiarize yourself with the country before beginning your adventure.
