Direct flights from Pokhara to Bhutan take off, boosting tourism

GANDAKI, Nov 20: Direct flights from Pokhara International Airport to Bhutan started on Tuesday. Although Universal Tours and Travels (UTT) had announced four charter flights from 28 September, the flights could not operate earlier due to various reasons.

Previously, flights were scheduled for September 28 and October 2, 6 and 10. The formal inauguration of Bhutan Airlines’ Pokhara-Paro direct flight was confirmed by Pokhara Metropolitan City Chief Dhanraj Acharya. He noted that on the first flight, nine passengers and crew safely landed at Paro Airport after the aircraft arrived empty from Bhutan. “Although today’s pre-planned team trip could not happen due to technical reasons, I expect regular flights to commence soon. Bhutan Airlines and UTT are committed to ensuring regular operations shortly,” Acharya said.

The previously planned program, initially to start in October, was rescheduled due to earlier unrest in Nepal, with the first flight successfully inaugurated. Bhutan Airlines has informed that regular flights will resume from April 2026. The airline operates 126-seat aircraft, and UTT has also arranged a four-night, five-day travel package. Pokhara Tourism Council Chair Taranath Pahari stated that direct flights from Pokhara to Bhutan and back will boost tourism in both countries.

The government has also provided incentives for international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Passengers are exempt from all service charges except a 25 percent ground handling fee from Nepal Airlines. Since August 12, 2024, parking, landing, and navigation fees for international flights from these airports are fully waived, while passenger service charges and ground handling enjoy substantial discounts.

Currently, Bhutan Airlines operates four weekly flights to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Earlier, on June 21, Sichuan Airlines operated a charter flight from Chengdu to Pokhara. Himalayan Airlines also flies from Pokhara to Chengdu. Sichuan Airlines is planning a Pokhara–Sichuan–Australia route, while Himalayan Airlines operates a weekly Pokhara-Lhasa commercial flight, connecting Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Pokhara.

With flights from Bhutan, Sichuan and Himalayan Airlines, Pokhara International Airport is expected to become more active and convenient for travelers to international destinations. Inaugurated on January 1, 2023, the airport spans 3,900 ropanis, cost approximately Rs 2.2 billion, and has a 2,500-meter-long, 45-meter-wide runway capable of serving 800,000 passengers annually.