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Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal’s domestic aviation market is preparing for the entry of a new scheduled carrier as Danfe Airlines advances toward commercial operations after receiving a No Objection Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
The approval represents the fourth stage in Nepal’s airline certification process, allowing the company to move forward with aircraft acquisition and demonstration flights before securing its final Air Operator Certificate.
According to Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the NOC was issued to the airline several weeks ago. With the regulatory clearance in place, Danfe Airlines can now begin the technical and operational preparations required for proving flights.
Abhishekman Shrestha, Director of Danfe Airlines, confirmed that preparations for regular operations are already underway. The airline plans to bring its first aircraft to Nepal by Ashadh 2083 and conduct demonstration flights soon afterward. The company’s target is to complete certification procedures and begin scheduled commercial flights by Dashain 2083.
Danfe Airlines intends to operate a fleet of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, a modern turboprop widely used for regional aviation worldwide due to its fuel efficiency, reliability, and suitability for short haul routes. The airline plans to induct its first aircraft by Ashadh 2083 and add two additional aircraft shortly afterward, enabling it to launch operations with three aircraft simultaneously.
The airline will be based in Pokhara and plans to operate domestic flights to major destinations including Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhadrapur, Simara, Janakpur, Bhairahawa, and Tumlingtar. The carrier also intends to offer mountain flights, a popular tourism product that provides aerial views of the Himalayan range.
Flights to Dhangadhi are not included in the initial phase of operations. The airline said services to the far western destination will be introduced once a fourth aircraft is added to the fleet.
Danfe Airlines is effectively a revival of the former Makalu Air, which ceased operations nearly a decade ago. A new investor group later acquired the company and rebranded it as Danfe Airlines. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation renewed the airline’s operating license under Danfe Aviation Corporation, making it valid until Bhadra 29, 2084.
The airline plans to invest approximately NPR 4 billion for aircraft acquisition and operational setup. According to the company, the global market price of a single ATR 72-600 aircraft currently exceeds USD 11 million, or roughly NPR 1.64 billion.
Industry observers say the entry of Danfe Airlines could increase competition in Nepal’s domestic aviation sector, expand connectivity, and provide passengers with additional travel options as demand for air travel continues to grow across the country.
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