Nepal’s domestic aviation sector is poised for expansion after two new carriers, Sagarmatha Air and Danfè Airlines, moved forward with aircraft acquisitions following regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), according to local media reports. 

Sagarmatha Air has entered Nepal’s helicopter market after purchasing an Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter from Mountain Helicopters, local outlet Clickmandu reported. The company, led by entrepreneurs Janak Thapa and Ishwar Lamichhane, has completed the ownership transfer and is currently finalising regulatory documentation required to begin commercial operations. 

Meanwhile, Danfè Airlines is preparing to launch domestic fixed-wing services after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CAAN, a key regulatory step required before airlines can import aircraft and proceed with certification. CAAN officials previously confirmed the carrier had secured approval as part of preparations to begin commercial flights later this year.

According to Clickmandu, Danfè Airlines is acquiring three Jetstream aircraft from Nepal’s Guna Airlines, which had grounded its fleet amid management challenges. The aircraft were originally operated by Yeti Airlines before being acquired by Guna. Danfè is expected to deploy the turboprop aircraft primarily on provincial and short-runway domestic routes, although the transfer process remains subject to banking and ownership formalities. 

The airline, which emerged following the acquisition and restructuring of Makalu Air, has also outlined plans to expand its fleet over the next three years with ATR turboprop aircraft to strengthen regional connectivity across Nepal. Company officials have previously said the carrier aims to launch operations around the Dashain festival season, one of the country’s busiest travel periods. 

Nepal’s domestic aviation market remains relatively small but strategically important due to the country’s mountainous geography, where air travel often provides faster access to remote regions than road transport. New entrants are expected to intensify competition with established domestic carriers, including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines. 

Industry observers say the addition of new airlines could improve regional connectivity and passenger choice, though operators continue to face challenges linked to operating costs, fleet availability, and Nepal’s demanding flying environment. 

Source: Clickmandu