Finland’s flag carrier FInnair has proposed to start direct flights between Nepal and Finland. The airlines forwarded the proposal through its Embassy.
The airline proposed to connect capital city of both countries; Kathmandu and Helsinki by commencing direct flight stated Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
Ministry also stated that they are working on to make arrangement for agreement between both governments for commencing direct flight service. Ministry has been coordinating with various stakeholders along with Civil Aviation Authority (CAN) and national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) for collecting information and suggestion.
After gathering the suggestion, ministry will be presenting the proposal to the cabinet and after receiving the approval, it will be forwarded to Finnish government and further process will be carried out.
If the flight comes to operation, then passengers can travel between Europe and Nepal without using any transit.
Finnair has been operating to Indian city New Delhi as well and is showing interest in operating flights to Nepal also.
Currently, Turkish Airlines has been operating direct flight to Nepal however, Turkey being in boarder of Asia and Europe, passengers travelling to and from Nepal to Europe have to use Istanbul or other gulf countries as transit to travel.
With the direct flight between Finland and Nepal, passenger would not have to use transit to travel to Europe.
Nepali Airlines have not been able to operate flights to Europe as Nepal has been blacklisted in European Union. If the Finnair commences flight, then EU will be pressured to remove Nepal from EU blacklist.
Nepal has signed agreement with around 39 counties for flight operation.
Various stakeholders have stated that the direct flight between Finland and Nepal will be beneficial for Visit Nepal Year-2020 Campaign and will boost the tourist arrival to the country.
