Nepal’s Shree Airlines Seeks Approval to Launch Scheduled International Flights

Nepal‑based Shree Airlines is seeking regulatory approval to launch scheduled international passenger services, marking a significant strategic shift for a carrier that has historically focused on domestic and charter operations.

The airline has submitted plans to aviation authorities outlining its intention to enter international markets, positioning itself to compete in regional short‑haul routes from Nepal once approvals and operational readiness requirements are met. If cleared, the move would place Shree Airlines among a small group of Nepalese carriers operating scheduled international services.

Shree Airlines currently operates a fleet primarily focused on domestic connectivity, serving key cities and remote regions within Nepal. Its aircraft and operational model have been tailored to challenging terrain and short‑haul sectors, making the transition to international scheduled services a notable evolution in network strategy.

Industry observers note that Nepal’s international aviation market is dominated by foreign carriers and a limited number of local airlines, with capacity concentrated on routes linking Kathmandu to destinations in India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Entry by another Nepalese operator could modestly increase competition while improving outbound connectivity for passengers.

The airline’s expansion ambitions come as Nepal continues to invest in airport infrastructure, including upgrades at Tribhuvan International Airport and the development of additional international gateways. Improved infrastructure capacity is viewed as essential to supporting growth by local carriers seeking to expand beyond domestic networks.

Regulatory approval will depend on several factors, including fleet suitability, crew training, safety oversight compliance and bilateral air service agreements. Scheduled international operations also require greater operational resilience, given higher regulatory scrutiny and exposure to competitive pricing pressures.

For Shree Airlines, international expansion could diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on domestic demand, which is sensitive to seasonality and weather‑related disruptions. However, analysts caution that entering international markets involves higher costs, foreign exchange exposure and competition from established regional airlines.

The move also reflects broader trends among smaller South Asian carriers exploring selective international growth as travel demand recovers and regional traffic strengthens. Airlines are increasingly targeting short‑haul cross‑border routes that can be served with narrowbody or regional aircraft while limiting financial risk.

If approved, Shree Airlines’ international launch would represent a step forward for Nepal’s aviation sector, potentially strengthening the presence of local carriers on regional routes and supporting tourism and trade connectivity. The pace and scale of the expansion will likely depend on regulatory timelines, fleet planning decisions and market response.

Aviation stakeholders will be watching how Shree Airlines navigates the transition from domestic operator to international scheduled carrier, a shift that often tests operational discipline, cost control and long‑term strategic focus.