Nepal, Europe to be linked via air

TUI/Arke Fly of the Netherlands is planning to re-launch direct flights from Holland to Nepal from October 2009. At first, there will be one flight per week which could be increased as per the market demand in future.
Nepal's ambassador to Holland Pramesh Kumar Hamal said increased air connectivity to Nepal from the market hubs of Europe such as Holland would have a positive effect on the resurgence of tourism in Nepal. Speaking during a programme organised under joint auspices of Nepal Embassy in Brussels and TUI/Arke Fly Group of Holland, envoy Hamal said Nepal has adopted a liberal and open sky policy in view of its own landlocked status.
"Arke Fly would be able to tap the already existing market demand for direct air connection to Nepal," he said, stressing on the priority accorded to the tourism sector. He added that a new tourism policy has recently been brought out and the campaign 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' has been launched.
Hamal highlighted the unique and unparalled attractions of destination Nepal and underscored the need to harness the rich potential of tourism development for the benefit of Nepalis.TUI/Arke Fly chief executive officer Steven Vander Heijden said Holland's past experience in direct flight operations to Nepal would help restart the air link. "The decision to resume flights to Nepal from October 2009 draws a lot from those experiences," he said adding that Nepal has a magnetic charm as a tourist destination. Transavia and Martin Air used to fly to Nepal in the past.