KATHMANDU: The Cathay Pacific airlines will start operating direct flight to Hong Kong-Kathmandu from coming October 1.

The flag carrier of Hong Kong has obtained permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to conduct one flight in a week (Saturday), informed CAAN’s spokesperson Jagannath Niruala.

According to Niraula, the airline’s authority has already completed all the process to operate direct flight. The airlines has requested for 12 noon to 1:00 pm’s slot while the CAAN is mulling to provide the airlines slot after 8:00 pm, he shared.

Presently, Nepal Airlines has been operating flights from Kathmandu to Hong Kong and vice versa.

Hong Kong is considered an important aviation destination due to dominance of Nepalis diaspora there.

Meanwhile, a total of 26 international airlines, including two Nepalis, have been operating international flights to and from the Tribhuvan International Airport at present.

The international airlines belonging to 21 nations, including Nepal, have been operating direct flights to the respective nations.

Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, the TIA had been witnessing international airlines from 30 nations operating flights.

Currently, 70 flights are operative to and from TIA on a daily basis on average.

Nepal has inked aviation agreement with 40 countries so far.