“When we talk about connectivity, we don’t talk about one-way connectivity,” he told reporters at the embassy on Thursday night while announcing Himalaya Airlines’ direct flights on Dhaka-Kathmandu-Dhaka route.
The airline will operate its A320-214 narrow bodied aircraft on the route, configured with 150 economy class and eight premium economy class seats from July 22.
First secretary at Nepalese Embassy Dilli Prasad Acharya, Country Manager, Himalaya Airlines, Bangladesh Sushil Kumar Basnet and Director of SAir Air BD Ltd were, among others, present.
The acting Nepalese envoy said this flight will help the people of Bangladesh and Nepal bring closer and know each other better.
Sushil Kumar said the ticket price will be much cheaper than others who are currently operating flights on the same route.
The airline currently has a fleet of three new Airbus 320-200. The new flight schedule offers expedient travel options for leisure and business travellers, said the airline in a media statement.
Bangladesh being a major volume market for Nepalese tourism, the inbound connectivity shall focus predominantly on getting Bangladeshi tourists onboard, it said.
With the airlines’ regular flights to Middle East destinations like Doha, Dubai and Dammam, the new sector shall also significantly project Kathmandu as a transit hub for Bangladeshi passengers.
“We take pleasure to announce our connectivity to another Asian destination – Dhaka - shouldering our role in contributing to the promotion of tourism and business amongst neighboring countries,” Vijay Shrestha, Vice President, was quoted as saying.
Shrestha said this connectivity will boost new business opportunities between Nepal and Bangladesh and shall also serve as a bridge between the Middle East countries and Bangladesh. “Himalaya Airlines shall be committed to continuing excellent service flavored with Nepali hospitality to its valued passengers.”
The thrice weekly schedules have convenient timings, where flight - H9 678 departs from Kathmandu at 11:10 (local time), and lands at 13:10 hours (local time) in Dhaka.
The return flight -H9 679 departs from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 14:10 hours (local time) the same day and arrives at Tribhuvan International Airport at 15:20 hours.