Kathmandu, October 2025
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has once again found itself at the center of controversy after its much-anticipated Kathmandu–Guangzhou direct flight was postponed at the last minute, raising serious questions about the airline’s management efficiency and Nepal’s aviation diplomacy with China.
The first scheduled flight to Guangzhou was supposed to take off on September 25, marking NAC’s return to mainland China after nearly 15 years. But just hours before departure, the flight was abruptly cancelled due to what officials vaguely described as “technical and permission-related issues.”
Industry insiders, however, point to deeper problems — including poor coordination, weak diplomatic follow-up, and bureaucratic delays between Nepal’s aviation authorities and their Chinese counterparts.
Frustration Among Passengers and Staff
Dozens of passengers who had booked the inaugural flight expressed frustration over the sudden postponement. We were informed only at the last minute. This shows how unprepared our national flag carrier really is, said one disappointed traveller.
Even NAC staff members reportedly faced confusion about operational approvals, with no clear communication between departments.
China’s Role or Nepal’s Negligence
A growing debate is emerging in aviation circles:
Was the delay a result of China’s sluggish approval process, or was it Nepal’s own failure to complete necessary paperwork on time?
While some accuse Beijing of imposing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, others believe NAC’s internal inefficiency and lack of foresight are to blame. Analysts say that such diplomatic and procedural lapses undermine Nepal’s credibility in international aviation relations.
Flights Resume After Delay
Despite the initial setback, NAC successfully launched the route a few days later, with flights now operating three times a week between Kathmandu and Guangzhou. One-way fares start at NPR 30,000, with return tickets priced at NPR 50,000.
But the damage to NAC’s reputation may already be done — once again reminding the public of the long-standing issues of management failure, political interference, and weak strategic planning within Nepal’s national airline.
A Wake-Up Call for Nepal’s Aviation Sector
Experts warn that unless Nepal Airlines reforms its operations and improves coordination with international aviation authorities, such incidents will continue to embarrass the country on the global stage.
Nepal cannot afford to turn every international opportunity into a diplomatic mishap, said one senior aviation analyst. We must choose professionalism over politics.
-aviationinnepal
