Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has increased Kathmandu–Resunga flights to four per week starting today. The airline connects Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, with Resunga Airport in Gulmi. It aims to improve regional connectivity and meet rising domestic travel demand in western Nepal.
NAC now operates flights on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, replacing the earlier three-flight weekly schedule. Officials said the airline expanded services after improving aircraft availability. Moreover, it completed maintenance of its Twin Otter fleet. One also has to note that amid the aviation fuel crisis resulting from the Iran War, Nepal Airlines (RA) increased fares due to rising fuel and operational costs.
Photo: Rucksackschule-dresden | Wikimedia Commons
Nepal Airlines’ Flight Expansion in Gulmi
The one extra weekly flight on the Kathmandu–Resunga route will be operated by the 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft, an aircraft type that the carrier deployed on airports such as Lukla- which is considered to be the most dangerous airport in the world.
The airline has run regular services for about five months. It suspended operations during monsoon and bad weather periods. Officials said improved aircraft readiness supported the expansion. They also noted steady passenger demand on the route.
Resunga station chief Suman Thapa said NAC reviewed capacity before increasing flights. He said the additional service improves access for passengers in Gulmi and nearby districts. He added that the route supports easier travel to Kathmandu.
Nepal Airlines’ Fare Revision on the Kathmandu – Resunga route
According to The Rising Nepal, NAC has raised airfares on the Kathmandu–Resunga route. It set the new fare at Rs 10,902 from Kathmandu to Resunga. The return fare stands at Rs 10,702.
Earlier, passengers paid Rs 7,500 for Kathmandu–Resunga. The return fare was Rs 7,300. Officials said rising aviation fuel prices forced the airline to revise fares.
They said fuel costs remain a major pressure on domestic airlines. NAC stated that the revision helps maintain regular operations. It also ensures financial stability on the route.
Operational Context of Resunga Airport
Resunga Airport has improved its regular operations in recent months. It now supports more stable air connectivity in Gulmi. The route mainly serves passengers traveling between Kathmandu and western hill districts.
NAC continues to use Twin Otter aircraft on this sector, an aircraft type that the carrier uses in operations to Dolpo. According to data from planespotters.net, the carrier’s Twin-Otters are more than 40 years old:
| Reg | Aircraft Type | Config | Delivered | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9N-ABT | De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | Y19 | Jan 2007 | 41.8 Years |
| 9N-ABU | De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | Y19 | Jan 2007 | 41.6 Years |