Himalaya Airlines announced it will launch a direct flight service between Kathmandu, Nepal, and Hangzhou, China, starting September 30, 2026. The airline will also resume its direct Kathmandu–Shanghai route on September 28, 2026, each initially operating twice weekly.
Flight Schedules for Kathmandu–Hangzhou and Kathmandu–Shanghai
The new Kathmandu–Hangzhou service operates with flight H9225 departing Kathmandu at 5:15 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Hangzhou at 1:05 a.m. the following day. The return flight H9226 departs Hangzhou at 2:05 a.m. every Monday and Thursday, landing in Kathmandu at 6:20 a.m. the same day.
The resumed Kathmandu–Shanghai flights depart Kathmandu on Mondays and Fridays, with return departures from
Shanghai on Tuesdays and Saturdays, running twice weekly at launch.
Significance of Hangzhou and Shanghai Destinations
Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province, is noted for its cultural heritage, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the West Lake Cultural Landscape, the Grand Canal, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. The Kathmandu–Shanghai route links Nepal’s capital to Shanghai, China’s largest city and a major global financial center.
Strategic Goals and Airline Statements
These route expansions align with Himalaya Airlines’ aim to connect Kathmandu to ten prominent tourism and economic hubs across China and to draw up to one million Chinese tourists to Nepal. The airline emphasizes the strategic importance of the
Kathmandu–Shanghai route for Nepal–China relations.
According to the airline’s vice-president, Vijay Shrestha, Himalaya Airlines initiates new China routes ahead of conventional market trends to foster trade, tourism, and bilateral relations. He stated the airline is committed to linking culturally and economically significant cities and maintaining high standards of safety and service quality.
Traveler Impact and Timing
The launch of these services coincides with the start of Nepal’s peak autumn tourism season. The new direct flight options are expected to enhance inbound tourism and support Nepal’s hospitality sector by improving bilateral connectivity between Nepal and China.
