Special Flights Begin Today to Evacuate Nepalis Stranded in West Asia

The Government of Nepal has decided to operate special flights on April 3, 4, and 5 to evacuate Nepalis affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Nepal Airlines Corporation will operate flights on Kathmandu–Dubai, Dubai–Kathmandu, Kathmandu–Dammam, and Dammam–Kathmandu routes. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has issued instructions for this operation. (March 20, Kathmandu)

Due to the continuing conflict in West Asia, Nepali citizens stranded there have faced difficulties. To address this, the Government of Nepal will run special flights for three consecutive days starting today. Nepal Airlines Corporation plans to operate the Kathmandu–Dubai flight on April 3, Dubai–Kathmandu on April 4, and Kathmandu–Dammam and Dammam–Kathmandu flights on April 5. These special flights aim to bring Nepali citizens back home from the affected regions and take those unable to reach their destination countries safely to their intended locations.

On March 31, a high-level meeting was held involving officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Nepal Airlines Corporation. The meeting focused on facilitating the evacuation and safe movement of Nepalis in West Asia, as well as ensuring the provision of necessary air services. Following Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal’s directives, Nepal Airlines Corporation decided to operate these special flights over three days.

Regular flights to and from the affected West Asian regions have been suspended since February 28 due to heightened tensions and security concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the National Insurance Company has assisted in streamlining the necessary insurance arrangements during these flights. The ministry also expressed gratitude to all responsible agencies for their cooperation and coordination in facilitating the special flight operations amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.