Kathmandu, September 17, 2026 — A finalized bilateral air services agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia has opened the way for Saudi airlines to operate flights to Nepal’s newly built international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

The agreement was formally signed on September 2, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The agreement provides the legal and institutional framework for designated airlines of both countries to operate regular international air services.

According to Jaya Narayan Acharya, joint secretary and spokesperson at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the agreement allows Saudi airlines to consider operating flights to Pokhara Regional International Airportand Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

“We do not have sufficient aircraft, while they have aircraft,” Acharya said, explaining that the agreement would facilitate Saudi carriers wishing to operate from the two airports.

Nepal and Saudi Arabia had initially signed an air services agreement in 1999. Under the earlier arrangement, airlines from the two countries were permitted a combined capacity of up to 5,600 seats per week, or 291,200 seats annually.

Potential boost for connectivity and tourism

The Ministry expects the new agreement to strengthen air connectivity between Nepal and Saudi Arabia and contribute to the development of both passenger and cargo services.

It is also expected to support tourism promotion, create additional opportunities for trade and investment, and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The agreement could be particularly significant because thousands of Nepali workers are employed in Saudi Arabia. Improved direct air connectivity could provide additional options for travel between the two countries.

At present, however, no Saudi airline is operating a direct service to Nepal. Nepali carriers already serve Saudi destinations: Himalaya Airlines operates flights from Kathmandu to Dammam and Riyadh, while Nepal Airlines operates a Kathmandu–Dammam service.

Opportunity for Nepal’s new international airports

Nepal has been seeking to attract more international airlines to its newly constructed airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. The two airports have international operating capability, but attracting sustained international services has remained a challenge.

Pokhara International Airport is now preparing to receive its first regular direct service to Dubai by flydubai, with the first flight scheduled for September 23, 2026.

The Saudi agreement provides another potential avenue for expanding international connectivity beyond Kathmandu.

Nepal has so far signed bilateral air services agreements with 42 countries, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The country's most recent agreements before Saudi Arabia included agreements with Switzerland in 2024 and Rwanda in 2023.

The government hopes that greater international connectivity will help Nepal attract more visitors, facilitate cargo movement and expand economic links with international markets.