Upcoming Commercial Flights
One of the Embassy’s most important priorities is to help American citizens in Nepal. We understand there is misinformation circulating regarding flights out of Nepal for American citizens. We’d like to help clarify.
The upcoming flights are not chartered, sponsored, or funded by the United States government. These are commercial flights operated by private airlines. The United States Embassy has no role in setting the price of the airline tickets and plays no role in determining individual bookings. We supported airlines in securing flight approvals from the Government of Nepal only, and we took these steps on behalf of our official staff and family members, the broader American community, our diplomatic partners and their citizens, and others in need of departing Nepal.
To facilitate the departures of stranded foreign citizens and allow for timely and efficient delivery of COVID-19 emergency relief supplies, we join our diplomatic partners in urging the Government of Nepal to allow regular commercial flights to resume. That will be the best option to meet the urgent travel needs of American and other citizens.
Q. When will the U.S. embassy organize repatriation/evacuation flights for Americans who were unable to secure seats on these flights?
A. One of the Embassy’s most important priority is to help American citizens in Nepal. Because of this, we join our diplomatic partners in urging the Government of Nepal to allow regular commercial flights to resume. That will be the best option to meet the urgent travel needs of American and other citizens.
Q. The flights were booked by non-American citizens, why isn’t the Embassy helping?
A. One of the Embassy’s most important priority is to help American citizens in Nepal. These are commercial flights operated by private airlines. We understand that the airlines opened reservations to all eligible to travel on a first-come, space available basis, and the flights are not limited to U.S. citizens. Because the safety and welfare of American citizens is our top priority, we join our diplomatic partners in urging the Government of Nepal to allow regular commercial flights to resume. That will be the best option to meet the urgent travel needs of American and other citizens.
Q. Why did the United States Embassy set the price of tickets so high?
A. The Embassy had no role in setting ticket prices. These are commercial operations and as such, we would refer you to the airlines for questions regarding pricing.
Q. I understand that as US-bound flights, only the US citizens were allowed to reserve seats.
A. Because there are no direct flights from Nepal to the United States, travelers need to book connecting flights through the airlines or their designated travel agents. We’d refer further inquiries to them.
Q. I need to leave immediately and was told only the U.S. Embassy controls the passenger list for their flights.
A. These are commercial flights operated by private airlines. We understand that the airlines have opened reservations to all eligible to travel on a first-come, space available basis, and the flights are not limited to U.S. citizens. We would direct further inquiries on bookings and reservations to the airlines or their designated travel agencies.