85-min shortcut: Kathmandu to Kolkata in record time; find all details here
Very soon, travel from Nepal to India will be a quick affair. As per the latest development, Nepal's premier private airline, Buddha Air, is set to resume its direct flights between Kathmandu and Kolkata, after a six-year hiatus, which marks a significant milestone in regional air connectivity. The service, which was previously suspended due to financial losses, is scheduled to recommence in mid-July 2025, which will offer travellers a swift 85-minute journey between the two culturally rich cities.
Buddha Air initially launched the Kathmandu-Kolkata route in 2019, operating three weekly flights. However, the service was short-lived, lasting only nine months due to substantial financial losses amounting to over INR 100 million. The airline's decision to withdraw was influenced by intense competition and market dynamics at the time.
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The landscape has since changed, notably with Air India discontinuing its operations on this route to focus on Delhi. This development has opened up a commercial opportunity for Buddha Air to re-enter the market. Rupesh Shrestha, Director of Sales and Marketing at Buddha Air, stated, "We competed with Air India when we flew to this destination six years ago. Now that Air India has pulled out, we see a commercial opportunity and have decided to resume the flights."
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The reinstated service will operate four times a week, matching the frequency previously maintained by Air India. Flights will depart from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
To cater to the diverse needs of travelers, Buddha Air plans to offer competitive fares, with a minimum one-way ticket priced at INR 14,000. Additionally, its subsidiary, Buddha Holidays, will design travel packages tailored for the Kolkata route, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience.
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Beyond reconnecting Kathmandu and Kolkata, Buddha Air has expressed intentions to expand its footprint in India. The airline currently operates regular flights to Varanasi and is exploring new routes to cities like Guwahati and Lucknow. This strategic expansion aims to bolster two-way trade and tourism between Nepal and India, tapping into the growing demand for regional travel.
Many travelers, including tourists, businesspeople, and members of the Nepali diaspora living in India, stand to gain from the restart of the Kathmandu-Kolkata flight. In addition to cutting down on travel time, this direct flight will provide hassle-free travel and make it a desirable choice for individuals who want to visit the cultural and economic centers of both countries.
As global travel continues to recover, Buddha Air's strategic move highlights the importance of regional connectivity in boosting economic growth and cultural exchange. With the launch of this airline, travellers can now look forward to a seamless and efficient journey between Kathmandu and Kolkata.
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