MYAGDI, Sep 4: After a two-month suspension caused by adverse weather conditions, the Jomsom-Pokhara air service has resumed operations. The air service connecting Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, to the Jomsom Airport in Mustang, a popular tourist district, was halted on June 28.
Hiron Shah, the chief of Jomsom Airport, confirmed that Summit Air conducted three flights on Sunday, marking the revival of the Pokhara-Jomsom air service. Shah explained, "The resumption of Pokhara-Jomsom air service is attributed to improving weather conditions and the upcoming tourist season. Tara Air, a sister company of the private sector's Yeti Airlines, is also gearing up to commence flights from September 11."
Jumla remains disconnected from province capital
During these three flights, the Jomsom Airport recorded the arrival of 54 Indian tourists, one individual from a third country, and two domestic tourists. Landslides have disrupted traffic along the Beni-Jomsom road in the Myagdi section, posing challenges for residents, pilgrims, and tourists traveling to Mustang. The resumption of air services is expected to provide much-needed relief to these travelers.
In the absence of road access and air services, individuals had to incur high costs and opt for helicopter travel. With the reinstatement of air services, it is anticipated that tourist traffic to Mustang will increase.
In the fiscal year 2022/23, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) reported that 71,000 foreign tourists visited Mustang. Jagat Prajapati, the head of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, stated that regular traffic flow has been restored on the Beni-Jomsom road in recent days.
