Nepal’s national carrier will launch its first-ever direct flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, China, later this week, expanding connectivity between the Himalayan nation and one of China’s largest commercial hubs.

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) announced Sunday that the Kathmandu-Guangzhou-Kathmandu service will begin Thursday, Sept. 25. The airline will operate three flights a week on the route — every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday — following the inaugural flight.

“All necessary preparations have been completed, and we are ready to commence the Kathmandu-Guangzhou flights,” Manoj Kumar Shah, spokesperson for NAC, said in a statement.

The initial two flights are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Sept. 28 before the regular thrice-weekly service begins. The state-run carrier has set one-way fares from Kathmandu to Guangzhou at 30,000 Nepalese rupees (about $225) and round-trip tickets at 50,000 rupees (about $375).

The new route places NAC in direct competition with Himalaya Airlines, a private Nepali carrier that already operates regular flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, and China Southern Airlines, which connects Guangzhou and Kathmandu.

Aviation analysts say the addition of NAC flights will provide passengers more options and may help reduce airfare on the busy China-Nepal route, which has grown in demand due to trade, tourism and educational exchanges.

With Guangzhou added to its network, Nepal Airlines now operates regular flights to 11 destinations across nine countries, including India, Malaysia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The flag carrier has long sought to expand its international footprint, but competition from private airlines and operational challenges have limited its growth.

The Kathmandu-Guangzhou service is being launched at a time when Nepal is working to attract more Chinese tourists and strengthen economic ties with Beijing. China is Nepal’s second-largest source of foreign visitors after India.

NAC officials said they are optimistic the route will help boost tourism, especially ahead of the upcoming holiday season, and improve Nepal’s access to southern China’s thriving commercial and industrial region.

“This is a milestone for Nepal Airlines and for the country’s aviation sector,” Shah said. “We believe the service will benefit travelers, traders and the tourism industry alike.”