Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), has entered its 67th year of operation. Established on July 1, 1958, the airline began its journey with a 28-seater Douglas DC-3 Dakota aircraft. Over the decades, the corporation has expanded its fleet and now operates wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft on international routes.
Currently, Nepal Airlines flies internationally to New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai (India), Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Narita (Japan), Doha (Qatar), Dubai (UAE), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). These routes are serviced using two wide-body A330s and two narrow-body A320s.
Domestically, NAC serves remote regions with two Twin Otter aircraft. However, a lack of aircraft has led to a decline in the airline’s domestic market presence. In recent years, the corporation has opted for modest celebrations of its anniversary, moving away from the large formal events of the past. Despite its long history, NAC has struggled to significantly improve its market share, and its debt has reportedly reached around NPR 50 billion.
The corporation had borrowed funds from the Employees Provident Fund and the Citizen Investment Trust to purchase wide-body aircraft. Operational inefficiencies and stiff competition from budget airlines have tarnished the airline’s reputation. However, its high-quality ground handling services and promotion of trade through international destinations have helped maintain some credibility.
Though multiple committees have been formed over the years to reform the airline, their recommendations have largely remained unimplemented. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has announced several plans for managerial reform, but these too have not been practically enforced.
NAC spokesperson Subash Dangi stated that all four wide-body aircraft are currently operating at full capacity on international routes. However, due to a limited number of aircraft, the airline has been unable to expand services to all domestic destinations. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to expand flights to new international destinations.
To mark the 67th anniversary, the airline organized a friendly football competition at the ANFA ground in Satdobato, featuring teams of male and female employees, and management staff. Other anniversary events included a poetry recitation contest, a table tennis tournament, and a morning rally at the central office premises.
