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Royal Nepal Airlines is the national airline of Nepal. As Nepal is a landlocked country and 90% of its area is covered by mountains, air transport is very vital for its economic development. Royal Nepal Airlines also plays a crucial role in the national integration of the country as no other mode of transport is well-developed in the country. The main base of Royal Nepal Airlines is Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Air travel service was started in Nepal by an Indian company in 1953. In July 1958, Nepal established her own airline, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) and started services with one DC-3. Initially, Royal Nepal Airlines’ international services were limited to Indian cities like Patna, Calcutta and Delhi. In 1960s, the airlines began expanding its fleet and network of destinations. It acquired the turboprop Fokker F-27s and in 1970s it moved on to Hawker Siddeley HS-748 turboprops and then to and Boeing 727 jet airliners. With the passage of time Boeing 727s were gradually replaced by Boeing 757s.
Presently, Royal Nepal Airlines flies to 10 international destinations and 30 domestic destinations. In India, Royal Nepal Airlines flies to Banglore, Delhi and Mumbai. Other international destinations include Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai.