POKHARA, June 21: After six months of official operation, a commercial aircraft from an international destination arrived at Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) on Wednesday morning. The plane landed at the airport with passengers but departed empty to Kathmandu.

The aircraft arrived in Pokhara carrying guests who are participating in the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival, scheduled to be held in Pokhara next Friday and Saturday. Yashoda Subedi, spokesperson for PRIA, informed that there were 84 passengers on board the 158-seat Airbus A319. The aircraft departed from Pokhara to Kathmandu at 11:00 AM without any passengers.

The Chengdu-Pokhara flight was a chartered flight, with passengers traveling only one way. "There were no passengers on the aircraft when it flew from Pokhara to Kathmandu," Subedi confirmed. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) stated that the aircraft would carry passengers from Kathmandu to Chengdu on a regular flight basis. Despite the first international flight landing after six months of commercial operation, the commencement of regular international departures from Pokhara has not yet been finalized. Spokesperson Subedi stated, "No decision has been made regarding the initiation of regular international flights so far."

Warm welcome for the first team

The passengers and distinguished guests were warmly welcomed upon their arrival at PRIA. Billboards were displayed on the main road to greet the Chinese guests visiting Pokhara. A grand program was organized at the airport to welcome the guests.

The arrival of an international flight in Pokhara has brought joy to the residents and tourism entrepreneurs who anticipate an increase in foreign tourist arrivals if regular flights are established. Pom Narayan Shrestha, chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council (PTCC), emphasized the need for regular flights, stating that while this is the first chartered flight, efforts should be made to establish regular flights. He expressed optimism about Chinese guests and anticipated more chartered flights from Chinese airlines in the future. "Chinese airline companies will have the opportunity to operate chartered flights to Pokhara in the coming days. The path to international flights has been opened," he said. "Although the schedule for the second flight is uncertain, this beginning has sent a positive message."

"However, more efforts should be made to ensure continuity," he added. "It is convenient for Chinese and Indian airlines to come to Pokhara. If airlines from these neighboring countries establish regular flights, it will benefit Pokhara's tourism," stated Chairman Shrestha.

Tourism Minister Sudan Kiranti also acknowledged the significance of the first international flight landing at PRIA while welcoming the passengers. He emphasized the strong relationship between Nepal and China and stressed the need for further initiatives to establish regular flights. "This beginning itself is a positive start. The key lies in converting it into consistent and regular service," he commented. The arrival of Sichuan Airlines in Pokhara has opened up possibilities for future international flights and has generated optimism among the local community and tourism industry.

 
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• CAAN