Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, made a visit to Nepal today, arriving in style aboard a private Airbus A340. Tribhuvan International Airport had a brief closure to accommodate his arrival, with two similar A340 planes touching down.
Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority approved four flights for the occasion. The Emir and his team arrived separately, with his luxurious A340-541 landing at 3:42 PM. This aircraft is known for its comfort and is often used by VIPs and celebrities for long-distance travel.
Qatar Airways' branch, Qatar Executive, arranged these flights through the Qatari Embassy in Kathmandu. Ahead of the Emir's arrival, two Gulfstream G650 planes arrived, carrying necessary equipment and staff.
Another A340-221 arrived just before the Emir's plane, acting as a backup in case of any issues. This precaution ensures a smooth trip for the VIP guest.
Interestingly, Tribhuvan International Airport waived landing and parking fees for all four aircraft. However, passengers, including the Emir, will be charged a small service fee of 3,300 Nepali Rupees per person for passenger handling.