Himalaya Airlines Launches Hangzhou, Restarts Shanghai Flights

New and Resumed China Services from Kathmandu

Himalaya Airlines, a Nepalese carrier, is set to expand its network into China with the launch of a new direct route connecting Kathmandu with Hangzhou, alongside the resumption of its direct service to Shanghai. The airline stated these developments signify a renewed effort to strengthen air connectivity between Nepal and China.

The Kathmandu–Hangzhou service is scheduled to commence on September 30, 2026, while flights to Shanghai will restart two days earlier, on September 28, 2026. Both routes will initially operate twice weekly, aiming to facilitate travel for both business and leisure passengers between the two nations. This strategic expansion comes as Nepal prepares for its peak autumn tourism season.

Kathmandu–Hangzhou Direct Link Inaugurates

The inaugural Kathmandu–Hangzhou flight (H9225) will depart on September 30, 2026, establishing Himalaya Airlines as the first and only carrier to offer direct scheduled flights on this particular route.

Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province, is recognised for its rich cultural heritage and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the West Lake Cultural Landscape. Flights on this sector will operate every Wednesday and Sunday, departing Kathmandu at 17:15 and arriving in Hangzhou at 01:05 the following day.

The return flight (H9226) will leave Hangzhou every Monday and Thursday at 02:05, landing in Kathmandu at 06:20 on the same day. The airline indicated that flight frequency could increase based on passenger demand.

Shanghai Service Resumes After Pause

Separately, Himalaya Airlines will reinstate its direct Kathmandu–Shanghai service from September 28, 2026. This resumption also positions the airline as the sole operator of direct scheduled flights on this route, linking Nepal’s capital with China’s largest city and a prominent global financial centre. The carrier described this corridor as important for Nepal–China relations.

Initially, the Shanghai route will run twice weekly, with outbound flights from Kathmandu scheduled for Mondays and Fridays. Return flights from Shanghai will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Similar to the Hangzhou service, the airline may adjust the frequency of Shanghai flights depending on market demand and load factors.

Strategic Vision for Nepal–China Tourism

These new and resumed services are part of Himalaya Airlines' broader strategy to establish direct connections to ten key tourism and economic hubs across China. The airline’s long-term objective is to attract one million Chinese tourists to Nepal.

Vijay Shrestha, Vice-President of Himalaya Airlines, stated that the carrier has consistently led the way in establishing new routes to China, often anticipating market trends. He added that the airline has long aimed to act as a link for trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between Nepal and China.

Shrestha described both the Hangzhou launch and the Shanghai resumption as reflecting this ongoing commitment to connecting culturally and economically significant cities.

Boost for Nepal's Autumn Tourism Season

The timing of these route inaugurations coincides with the onset of Nepal’s peak autumn tourism season. Himalaya Airlines anticipates that the enhanced direct air links will significantly boost inbound tourism and support the hospitality sector, contributing to the country’s wider economic recovery efforts.

For travellers, these direct services offer more convenient access to Nepal’s cultural attractions and natural landscapes, particularly for those originating from China’s Zhejiang province and the broader Shanghai region.

The increased accessibility is expected to drive higher visitor numbers, directly benefiting local businesses and tour operators in Nepal during a crucial period for the tourism economy.