Muscat – Nepalis in Oman have appealed to the governments of Nepal and Oman to restore direct air connectivity between the two countries, citing prolonged travel time, higher costs and growing inconvenience caused by indirect routes.

Many of the estimated 22,000 Nepalis residing in the sultanate said the absence of direct flights has made travel home difficult, especially during emergencies or travel season.

Binod Das, an executive at an exchange house in Azaiba, said the current situation has taken a toll on the community. “As a Nepali living in Oman, travelling home has become really stressful since the direct flights stopped. We have to take connecting flights through other countries, which means long hours, extra expenses and a lot of hassle. It’s especially difficult during emergencies and festive times.”

Restoring direct flights would not only make life easier for thousands of Nepalis working in Oman but also help promote tourism – many Omanis and other residents are interested in visiting Nepal if travel becomes more convenient, Das added.

Ram Bahadur Shahi, who has worked in a pharmacy in Muscat for the past seven years, said he was forced to take a connecting flight through the UAE when he last travelled home. “The delay made it very difficult to attend my father’s funeral in time. Restoring direct flights would not only benefit migrant workers, but also promote tourism, remittance flows and business links,” he said.

H E Dornath Aryal, Nepal’s Ambassador to Oman, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Nepali community. “The absence of direct flights has caused significant inconvenience for Nepalis travelling home, resulting in long transits. It has also adversely affected trade, commerce and tourism between the two nations,” he was quoted by the Nepali media.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, the ambassador noted that the number of Nepalis in Oman has been increasing, adding that bilateral discussions have already identified air connectivity as a priority area. “Hopefully, direct flights will resume soon,” he said.

Oman Air previously operated a daily flight between Muscat and Kathmandu but suspended the route in March 2020. Following that, SalamAir operated three direct flights a week until November 2023.