Qatar Airways, Nepal Seek Deeper Air Connectivity and Tourism Investment.

A high-level Qatari delegation met with Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha, in Kathmandu on Monday, February 9. The talks focused on strengthening economic and tourism ties between the two nations. Expansion of air connectivity was a primary topic for discussion.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Airline Cooperation

The Qatari delegation included Ambassador Mishal Mohammed A. A. Al-Ansari and representatives from Qatar Airways. Discussions explored increasing the number of direct flights between Nepal and Qatar. They also looked at adding new destinations and deepening Qatar Airways Nepal Airlines cooperation.

Minister Sinha highlighted the critical role of international airlines. He noted their active cooperation is crucial for operating Nepal's new facilities at full capacity. These facilities include Pokhara International Airport (PIA) and Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA).

Qatar Airways is already a major foreign carrier in Nepal. The airline operated 1,798 flights in 2025, serving 446,000 passengers. This strong presence makes their potential expansion highly significant for the market.

Utilizing New International Gateways

Nepal's two new international airports face challenges in attracting consistent international traffic. PIA, for example, is designed to handle one million passengers annually. However, it recorded only a handful of international flights in its first year of operation. Minister Sinha's comments underscore the government’s priority to utilize these assets fully.

Increased services from a major global hub carrier like Qatar Airways could provide a substantial boost. It would help validate the viability of Pokhara International Airport operations and GBIA. The flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, would also benefit from a closer partnership.

Economic and Investment Opportunities

The meeting was held ahead of the Nepal–Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting. Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal participated. He emphasized the strong potential for collaboration in several sectors.

• Key Investment Sectors:
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Aviation and Infrastructure
  • Hydropower and Agriculture

Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, a Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member, confirmed Qatari private sector interest. He expressed interest in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal. He added that enhanced aviation and tourism partnerships would strengthen trade and people-to-people ties. The government is prioritizing policy reforms to facilitate trade and investment. This signals a commitment to creating a favorable environment for Qatari investors in Nepal.

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