Privately-owned Nepali carrier Himalaya Airlines has announced the launch of its first direct flight from Kathmandu to the Saudi Arabia city of Dammam from September 1.

The Kathmandu-Dammam airfare will start from Rs23,800 for one-way and Rs38,000 for a round trip, exclusive of taxes, the airline said.

The airline said that the flight would facilitate Nepali migrant workers to return home during the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals. Dammam is one of the most sought after destination of Nepalis for foreign employment. An estimated 500,000 Nepalis are working there. 

In 2015, the government had amended the air service agreement (ASA) with Saudi Arabia, boosting the frequency between the two countries to 28 weekly flights from two weekly flights. Nepal had signed the ASA with Saudi Arabia in October 1999 permitting flights to Riyadh only.

The revised ASA has accepted a multiple designation system and Saudi Arabia has adopted an open sky policy at its international airport in Dammam, which means there will be no restriction on the frequency.

The daily direct flight would ease the travel for thousands of Nepalis who have been paying hefty ticket airfares as well as spending more travel time while commuting between Saudi Arabia and Kathmandu, the airline said.

Himalaya will depart from Tribhuvan International Airport at 22:30 hours (local time) and will arrive in King Fadh International Airport, Dammam at 00:50 hours (local time) the next day.

The return flight will depart from Fadh International Airport, Dammam at 01:50 hours (local time) and will arrive in Kathmandu at 09:15 hours (local time).

Himalaya Airlines Vice President of Administration Vijay Shrestha said, “We are always looking forward to provide our passengers with the most convenient and time-efficient way of air travel. Considering the hours of hassle Nepalis have been facing while traveling to Saudi Arabia, we believe the launch of this direct flight will definitely achieve our objective.”

“The launch of daily direct flight to Dammam is Himalaya Airlines special Festival gift, to all our valuable passengers. As we move forward, our goal will always be to offer most direct routes to our countrymen at cost effective fares with warm Nepalis hospitality onboard.”

The free baggage allowance for both the routes is 40 kg for business class and 30 kg for economy class.

The airline has appointed Asfar Travel and Tourism as its general sales agents, who will represent the airline in Saudi Arabia and will be responsible for the airline’s sales and marketing, market development, reservations and ticketing services.

Established in August 2014, Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal China Joint Venture, is a private airline of Nepal providing international air service.