KATHMANDU: The fourth phase of rescue flights has begun in a bid to repatriate the Nepali nationals stranded in foreign countries.

The rescue flights are to take place from 31 July to 8 August to repatriate Nepalese people facing tough time in different countries due to COVID-19 pandemic.

In doing so, Nepal Airlines Corporation and Himalaya Airlines have disclosed their flight schedules while the airlines of different countries have prepared their schedules to arrange flight service for Nepali people.

According to the rescue flight schedules developed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Nepal Airlines would make total 18 flights during the period.

There would be chartered flights from Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Dammam and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Narita (Japan), the ministry sources said.

The Himalaya Airlines would also make total 18 flights up to 7 August. It is also scheduled to have chartered flights from Kunming, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur and Dammam.

The international airlines would also run their chartered flights to repatriate Nepali nationals. Jazeera Air, Etihad Air, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways are also scheduled to make flights to Nepal.

Likewise, Malindo Airways would also make regular chartered flights from Kuala Lumpur during the period. The Tribhuvan International Airport would manage 13 international flights including arrival and departure in the critical time of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the airport sources, the Himalaya Airlines plane had left for Kunming of China and Shree Airlines plane took off for Bangkok at 7.00 this morning.

Malindo Air is repatriating Nepali from Malaysia today. It may be noted that the government had decided to repatriate Nepali nationals from different third countries.