PIA awaits regular int’l flights despite two years of operation
NATTA Gandaki, are actively engaging with authorities to promote and ensure regular operations.
KATHMANDU: Pokhara International Airport (PIA), inaugurated on Jan 1, 2023, has yet to see regular international flights, despite its potential to significantly boost tourism in Nepal’s tourism capital.
Local tourism stakeholders, including the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki, are actively engaging with authorities to promote and ensure regular operations.
Recently, a promotional charter flight from Chengdu, China, carrying 129 athletes for a dragon boat race, successfully landed and departed from Pokhara, demonstrating the airport’s capability to handle fully loaded flights.
At a press conference, Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, confirmed the airport’s readiness to accommodate large aircraft like Airbus models.
He emphasized the need for government policies and private sector investment to utilize the airport effectively.
Tourism entrepreneurs stressed the urgency of regular flights to revitalize the sector and mitigate investment risks.
NATTA Gandaki Chair Kishor Dahal highlighted the negative impact of delays on tourism growth, while former Nepal Tourism Board member Basu Tripathi urged the government and private sector to collaborate and counter misinformation about the airport.
Built with concessional Chinese loans at a cost of Rs 22 billion, the airport features a 2.5 km runway, advanced navigation systems, and a terminal capable of handling 20,000 passengers daily.
It is expected to ease access to iconic destinations like Annapurna Circuit, Muktinath, and Kailash Mansarovar.
Tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about resolving challenges and achieving regular international operations soon.
