PRIA sees both chartered and scheduled flights on the same day on Tuesday
POKHARA, April 2: Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) marked a milestone on Tuesday with its first scheduled international flight--27 months after opening. Himalaya Airlines operated the flight, carrying 29 passengers from Pokhara to Lhasa—the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region of People’s Republic of China. A day earlier, the airline had transported 107 passengers from Lhasa to Pokhara.
On the same day, Sichuan Airlines operated a chartered flight from Chengdu, bringing 60 guests and departing with 120 passengers. While Himalaya Airlines' flight was a scheduled service, Sichuan Airlines' operation was chartered—the 14th such flight from Pokhara.
The operation of both scheduled and chartered international flights on the same day has energized Pokhara’s tourism industry. Business leaders believe attracting Chinese tourists could benefit not just Pokhara but the entire Gandaki Province.
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Beyond enhancing air connectivity, Pokhara has actively promoted itself in Chinese cities. A tourism delegation recently returned from Chengdu, while another team departed on Tuesday to continue marketing efforts.
Pokhara International Airport Spokesperson Jashoda Subedi expressed optimism, saying, "Airlines are eager to connect Pokhara with Chinese cities. Now, it's up to Pokhara to generate business." She noted that past concerns about the lack of international flights at the airport have now been addressed.
Himalaya Airlines has secured approval for a weekly flight between Pokhara and Lhasa, with potential for additional flights depending on tourism demand. The airline operates on the Kathmandu–Lhasa–Pokhara–Lhasa–Kathmandu route.
Local tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara are encouraged by this development. Bipul Paudel, owner of Hotel Barahi, called it "a major breakthrough," emphasizing that Pokhara’s aviation sector has now expanded beyond domestic flights.
However, Paudel stressed the need for government support to sustain and expand these flights beyond China. "The pathway is open, but we must work toward adding more international destinations," he said.
Tourism Board Pokhara chief, Mani Raj Lamichhane, believes the direct flights will significantly boost Chinese tourist arrivals. He highlighted Lhasa’s potential as a transit hub for Western tourists traveling to Pokhara.
"Lhasa-bound tourists, particularly Westerners, can now reach Pokhara directly without transiting through Kathmandu," Lamichhane explained. He added that Lhasa’s seasonal tourism cycle presents an opportunity for Pokhara to attract visitors, especially during warmer months when Lhasa sees higher tourist inflows.
With chartered flights also linking Pokhara to Chengdu, another major Chinese city, the region’s tourism prospects look promising. Chengdu’s status as an international transit hub further enhances Pokhara’s accessibility.
Lamichhane emphasized that Pokhara International Airport is gaining momentum. "On Tuesday alone, we had two international flights, proving that the airport is finally fulfilling its purpose," he said.
Pokhara welcomed 8,191 Chinese visitors in January, 8,283 in February, and 11,443 in March, indicating a steady rise in tourist arrivals.
