Nepal Airlines Pet Policy: Complete Guide for Traveling with Pets

Nepal Airlines (Nepal Airlines Corporation) does allow passengers to travel with pets but their approach is a little different from the big global airlines. They handle pets through a controlled and pre-arranged process rather than letting you just “add a pet” during booking.

According to Nepal Airlines’ own FAQ, there are three main things you need to know right away:

• You must inform them in advance most ideally when you book your ticket.
• All pet travel details come from the NAC Cargo offices or your travel agent, not through an online button or automatic system.
• Pets are not accepted on Airbus A320 flights.

So if your journey involves an A320 then you’ll need to choose another aircraft (like the A330), a different flight or arrange for cargo-only transport.

Nepal Airlines doesn’t post a specific “approved pets” list on their website but it does confirm that pets can travel when coordinated through Cargo.

This means you should think of it as a planned cargo service, not a guaranteed cabin add-on.

In most airline setups, cats and dogs are the most commonly accepted pets. Birds, rabbits and other small animals may be allowed but it depends on your route, local airport rules and the crate you use. Since Nepal Airlines doesn’t share full details publicly, it’s safest to assume cats and dogs are welcome and others need case-by-case approval.

Nepal Airlines’ FAQ says pets are charged at excess baggage rates which hints that they’re typically handled as checked pets (in the hold) or cargo shipments, rather than being allowed inside the cabin.

So, when planning your trip, expect one of two possibilities (and your Cargo office will confirm which applies):

• Accompanied pets: Your pet travels in a secure crate as checked baggage and you’re charged like you’re carrying extra luggage.
• Cargo shipments: If your pet or crate is too big or local rules require it then your pet travels separately as cargo on a manifest shipment.

Important Aircraft Restriction

This is one of the biggest things to note: Nepal Airlines does not allow pets on Airbus A320 flights.

If your trip includes an A320-operated sector then your pet won’t be accepted. Instead, try booking a flight operated by an Airbus A330 which is the aircraft typically used for approved pet carriage under Nepal Airlines.

Nepal Airlines doesn’t share an official pet weight limit chart (like “8 kg in cabin” or “32 kg in the hold”) but they do have a general baggage rule the maximum allowed weight per baggage piece is 32 kg.

Since pets are charged as excess baggage, this rule often applies to pet crates too. So:

• Keep your pet + crate under 32 kg if possible.
• If your pet is large, the Cargo office may ask you to send it via cargo-only service or book a different flight.

Charges for pets depend on weight and route and they’re usually calculated per kilogram just like extra luggage.

Crate and Kennel Requirements

Even though Nepal Airlines doesn’t publish a detailed list of crate rules, all airlines follow international IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for animal transport.

Here’s what your pet’s crate must include to pass inspection:

• A hard-sided, escape-proof design (no weak clips or zip ties).
• Ventilation on multiple sides for fresh air.
• Leak-proof base lined with something absorbent, like pee pads or paper.
• Enough space for your pet to stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
• A “LIVE ANIMAL” label with your name, phone number, destination and any feeding or care instructions.

If your crate doesn’t meet these standards, staff can reject it at the airport so it’s worth double-checking ahead of time.

When bringing a pet into Nepal then you’ll need to follow both airline and government entry requirements.

A) Documents You Need to Enter Nepal

To bring a pet into Nepal then you’ll need:

• A health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival (and valid for 30 days).
• A rabies vaccination record or card.

Many relocation experts also recommend having your pet microchipped and ensuring the rabies shot is up-to-date. Pets can only enter Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu).

B) What Happens at Kathmandu Airport

When you land then your pet will go through quarantine inspection by Nepal’s Quarantine Office at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport).

Pro tip: Contact the quarantine office by phone or email a few days before your flight especially if you’ll be arriving late at night so an officer is available to check your pet’s documents.

Booking pet travel with Nepal Airlines isn’t something you can do online. Instead then you’ll need to coordinate directly with Cargo or your travel agent.

Follow this sequence to make things easy:

• Choose the right flight: Make sure it’s not an Airbus A320 flight.
• Declare your pet early: Tell the airline about your pet’s type, breed, weight, crate size and travel route.
• Get written confirmation: The Cargo or ticketing team will confirm if your pet is approved based on space and aircraft limits.
• Keep contact numbers handy: Nepal Airlines lists Cargo and airport handling numbers for Tribhuvan International Airport plus customer care lines in case of emergencies.

Nepal Airlines charges pets as excess luggage, meaning you’ll pay based on your pet’s total weight (pet + crate) and travel route.

They also publish standard baggage rates and note that each piece can weigh up to 32 kg.

Some travellers think they can buy pre-paid baggage slabs online to save money but be careful! Nepal Airlines clearly states that pre-paid baggage doesn’t apply to pets or cargo.

Since all pet travel is coordinated through Cargo, always confirm with them whether your pet will be billed as “excess baggage” or “cargo.” Prices can differ between the two.

On the Day of Travel

This is where most pet travel problems happen, travellers prepare the papers but forget the practical stuff!

Make sure you:

• Arrive early (you’ll need extra time for crate checks, paperwork and payment).
• Have backup plans in case of aircraft changes or space issues.

Even if your pet is approved, final acceptance depends on payload (weight capacity) and space. If there’s an aircraft change to an Airbus A320 then your pet might not be accepted that day.

It’s smart to have:

• Cargo office contact info
• An alternate flight option
• A local contact who can help if you need to rearrange quickly

Flying with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful as it just takes good planning. If you remember these four golden rules then you’ll avoid 90% of problems:

• Avoid A320 flights – Nepal Airlines doesn’t take pets on them.
• Tell the airline early and work directly with NAC Cargo for approvals.
• Use a strong, comfy crate that meets airline standards.
• Carry your documents – health certificate, rabies record and contact details for Kathmandu’s quarantine office.

With the right preparation then your pet’s trip with Nepal Airlines can be smooth, safe and filled with happy memories for both of you.