Kuwait based Wataniya Airways is preparing to operate direct flights to Nepal from Kuwait as the airline received an authorization from the Government of Nepal to do so. It will be the first ever airline from Kuwait to conduct flights to Kathmandu.
As per the information from Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Wataniya Airways was granted with operation authorization on Monday and it will begin its operation to Kathmandu with a daily flight by this November.
Kuwait is one of the preferred destinations for Nepali migrant workers so; the service will certainly benefit them. At present, Nepalese have to travel via Saudi Arabia to reach Kuwait. Direct flight operation by Wataniya airways could also make the ticket price cheaper.
Wataniya Airways needs to make necessary preparations for its service to Nepal and also obtain parking slot at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). So, the company will be probably starting its operation from mid November.
Nepal and Kuwait signed an air service agreement in January 2006. More than 10,000 Nepali workers grabbed their permit to work in Kuwait last year and the number is increasing.
Wataniya Airways was founded in 2006 and started its service with an Airbus A320 in January 2009. Its hub is Kuwait International Airport and is initiating flights to Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Georgia with its two Airbus A320s.
On 16 March 2011, Wataniya Airways ceased all its operations because of financial difficulties, and began discussions with its shareholders to determine the future of the company. It again received Air Operator Certificate (AOC) on 19th June, 2017.
TIA, the only international airport of Nepal will experience escalating frequency of flights and passenger movements as it has to accommodate Wataniya Airways from now on. The daily flights from Kuwait will increase the airspace and parking congestion at TIA.
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