Direct Flight Services Between Kolkata and Kathmandu to Resume in September

Buddha Air—a Nepal-based private airline—has stepped forward to bridge the gap

DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY, SNS, KOLKATA, JULY 13, 2025 :   Direct flight services between Kolkata and Kathmandu will resume this September after a hiatus of nearly five years. Air India (AI) previously operated thrice-weekly flights on this route, but services were suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although international operations resumed in 2022, AI has yet to recommence flights to Kathmandu.

Now, Buddha Air—a Nepal-based private airline—has stepped forward to bridge the gap. The carrier will operate ATR-72 aircraft with a 72-passenger capacity on four days a week. While the exact schedule and launch date are yet to be confirmed, services will run on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) starting in September. A return ticket with Buddha Air will cost ₹18,000.

Dr. Kaulesh Kumar, Secretary General of the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), welcomed the move. He stated that the new direct service will unlock new opportunities for travel and tourism, particularly boosting Buddhist tourism across the region. During a recent visit to Kathmandu, Dr. Kumar urged stakeholders to improve air connectivity between Buddhist tourism destinations in both countries.

Founded on October 11, 1997, Buddha Air currently operates daily flights to 15 domestic and international destinations. Its fleet comprises 18 aircraft, including 16 ATR-72s and two ATR-42s. After more than two decades of service, it commands a market share of 65% in Nepal and is a preferred airline for both domestic and international travellers.

At present, Buddha Air operates thrice-weekly flights between Varanasi and Kathmandu. Travel associations such as Skal International, IATO, TAM, TAAI, and ABTO have warmly welcomed Buddha Air's decision to establish direct connectivity between Kolkata and Kathmandu.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed her desire to see more international flights and carriers operating out of NSCBI Airport in Kolkata.