KATHMANDU: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), the national flag carrier, has entered its 67th year of operation. Established on July 1, 1958, the airline began its journey with a 28-seat Douglas DC-3 Dakota aircraft.
Today, it operates wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft on international routes. NAC currently flies internationally to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore in India, as well as to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Narita (Japan), Doha (Qatar), Dubai (UAE), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
These routes are serviced by two wide-body A330 and two narrow-body A320 aircraft. Domestically, NAC serves remote areas using two Twin Otter planes, though its presence in the domestic market has declined due to a limited fleet.
Despite its long history, NAC continues to struggle with market share and financial challenges. The Corporation’s debt has reportedly reached around Rs 50 billion, primarily due to loans taken from the Employees Provident Fund and Citizens Investment Fund to finance its wide-body aircraft purchases.
NAC’s reputation, previously marred by inefficient operations and rising competition from budget airlines, has seen some recovery through improved ground handling services and promotional efforts at international destinations.
However, efforts to restructure and reform the airline—through study committees and management reform plans—have yet to be implemented effectively.
According to spokesperson Subash Dangi, all four international aircraft are operating at full capacity. However, the lack of sufficient aircraft has prevented expansion of domestic services. He added that initiatives are underway to expand international routes.
To mark its 67th anniversary, the Corporation also organized a friendly football competition at the ANFA Sports Ground in Satdobato, hosted by the Sports Sub-Committee under the Anniversary Main Celebration Committee.
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