Jan. 21: Two years have passed since the Pokhara International Airport came into operation. Despite being declared the tourism capital, regular international flights have yet to commence.Currently, only domestic flights are operating, with nine chartered flights conducted during this period. According to the airport’s spokesperson, Jashoda Subedi, over 1 million passengers traveled through Pokhara International Airport in 2024.
In 2023, 905,000 passengers travelled through the airport, all on domestic flights. Among the total passengers in 2024, 176,000 were foreign nationals, compared to 125,000 foreign passengers in 2023.In 2024, there were 16,700 total flights, while in 2023, the number stood at 15,900. Currently, regular flights are operating from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.
Airlines such as Yeti and Buddha Air conduct these flights. Buddha Air operates flights from Pokhara to Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and Bharatpur, in addition to Kathmandu, while Yeti Airlines primarily serves the Kathmandu route.Currently, two airports are operational in Pokhara. Flights are still being operated from Pokhara’s old airport, but they are limited. Only flights to Jomsom operate from the old airport, along with helicopter and ultralight aircraft flights.
“If regular international flights can be operated, the number of passengers coming to Pokhara will increase,” said Subedi.Domestic flights in Pokhara are on the rise. The increase in air travel is also due to road construction. With a well-equipped airport, flights are being operated late at night and early in the morning.
“Under normal circumstances, regular domestic flights at Pokhara International Airport conclude by 8 PM, but during emergencies, airlines have operated flights even until 2 AM,’ said Subedi.She added that although there are no international flights, Pokhara is currently benefiting from high-quality domestic flights.
The airport was constructed by CAMC Engineering Company Limited under a loan agreement with China Exim Bank at a cost of Rs. 22.61 billion.Sichuan Airlines from China has been the most frequent international operator at this airport. On June 21, 2023, Sichuan Airlines arrived in Pokhara from Chengdu for the first time, carrying 84 passengers.
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