-KATHMANDU
Thai Lion Air — a low cost airline of Bangkok made its maiden flight on Bangkok-Kathmandu sector on Wednesday, becoming the third carrier to operate direct flights between Nepal and Bangkok as it moves to cater to growing travel demand of tourists.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the government of Nepal has issued a permit to the company, allowing it to operate seven flights every week. Of total seven flights, three flights will be regular.
The company says its regular flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from the Don Mueang International Airport, one of the two international airports in Bangkok. The airline has offered special airfare of Rs26,250 (7,950 Baht) for a round trip with free baggage allowance of 20 kg. The aircraft will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 12:45 pm and take off at 1:45 pm on these days.
With the entry of the company into the business, the number of Thai airline companies operating Kathmandu-Dubai flight has reached two. Earlier, Thai Airways was providing the service. Meanwhile, the number of foreign airline companies operating in Nepal has reached 30.
Thai Lion Air is an associate of Indonesia-based Lion Air. It operates a fleet of 32 aircraft — three Airbus A330-300, 11 Boeing 737-800, 17 Boeing 737-900 ER and one Boeing 737 Max 9. It has placed order for six Boeing 737-800 and eight Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
Thai Lion Air will be the third airlines to link Bangkok with Kathmandu after Nepal Airlines Corporation and Thai Airways.
