KATHMANDU: This Friday marks the start of Shree Airlines' flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur, increasing the number of available flights on the route that was previously only operated by Buddha Air's ATR-42 aircraft.

Shree Airlines has started operating chartered flights on this route, according to Anil Manandhar, the company's spokesperson, after fulfilling all requirements with the Nepalese Civil Aviation Authority. This decision was taken in response to the high demand for travelers.

In an effort to improve the frequency and ease of passenger travel between Kathmandu and Bharatpur, Manandhar stated that plans are now in place to launch two daily regular flights in the near future.

Bombardier Q400 series aircraft, which can carry 70 passengers on flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and 50 passengers on flights from Bharatpur to Kathmandu, would be used to operate the chartered flights.

Buddha Air is also now running flights on this route. According to Rupesh Joshi, the airline's sales director, 10 flights are currently scheduled each day. Nevertheless, with one of their three ATR-42 aircraft having decommissioned, their aircraft's flying cycle on this route is almost at an end.

Buddha Air has clearance to fly the ATR-72 to Bharatpur in order to maintain its service standards, and it intends to begin this service shortly.

Travelers between Kathmandu and Bharatpur will have more options and flexibility thanks to the arrival of Shree Airlines on this route and the upcoming fleet expansion of Buddha Air, which will improve connectivity throughout the area.