With the onset of the monsoon season and a sharp decline in air travelers to Mustang, private airlines have decided to suspend flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom route for two months. The move comes as adverse weather conditions and dwindling tourist numbers have made regular operations unsustainable.
Tara Air Halts Flights from Ashadh 2
Tara Air, which has been operating regular flights between Pokhara and Jomsom, has already grounded its Twin Otter aircraft serving this route starting Ashadh 2 (June 16). According to Sujan Lalchan, Jomsom Station In-Charge of Tara Air, the airline will resume operations in the first week of September. Sujan Lalchan, the station in-charge of Tara Air at Jomsom, stated that the number of air passengers on the Pokhara–Jomsom route has declined sharply in recent weeks. He attributed this decrease primarily to the ongoing monsoon season, which brings with it unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions that make flight operations difficult and risky.
According to Lalchan, the combination of low demand and unfavorable weather has made it economically and logistically unviable for the airline to continue its regular services at this time. He further emphasized that the suspension is a temporary measure aimed at ensuring passenger safety and maintaining operational efficiency. Lalchan assured that once the monsoon subsides and the peak tourist season begins, typically in early September, the airline plans to resume flights. He expressed optimism that improved weather and the return of tourists will enable Tara Air to restore its services and once again support travel to the Mustang region.
Summit Air to Follow Suit from Ashadh 20
Following in Tara Air’s footsteps, Summit Air has also announced the temporary suspension of its flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom sector starting from Ashadh 20 (July 4). Suman Thakali, Station In-Charge of Summit Air in Jomsom, said the airline will halt services for approximately two months. “We are currently operating just one flight per day at most, and even that sees very low occupancy,” Thakali noted. “Given the decline in demand, it is no longer viable to continue operations until conditions improve.”
Decline in Travel Due to Monsoon Weather
Officials at the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office have confirmed the decline in passenger numbers since the beginning of the monsoon. According to Chief Deepak Pokharel, Tara Air has already grounded its operations, and Summit Air is expected to do so in the coming days. “The monsoon brings unpredictable weather and frequent cancellations. With few travelers, especially during off-season, flights cannot be operated effectively,” Pokharel stated.
Impact Beyond Air Travel: Road Traffic Also Down
The monsoon has not only affected air travel but also reduced road-based tourist arrivals to Mustang. Inspector Bishal Adhikari, the Information Officer of the District Police Office, Mustang, mentioned that there has been a visible drop in tourists arriving via land routes as well. “Landslides, muddy roads, and the general perception of Mustang being less accessible during the monsoon have led to reduced traffic by road as well,” Adhikari reported.
Tourism in Mustang in Off-Season Slump
Mustang, a popular Himalayan destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, typically experiences a tourism slump during the monsoon months of June to August. The rough weather conditions, coupled with reduced visibility and flight safety risks, make both air and land travel challenging.
While the region sees a significant influx of tourists during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons, monsoon rains cause a steep decline in visitors, affecting local businesses and transportation services.
Anticipation of Better Days Ahead
Despite the current setbacks, airlines and local tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about a rebound once the monsoon ends. Airlines have already laid out tentative plans to resume services in early September, aligning with the expected return of favorable weather and increased tourist footfall.
Both Tara Air and Summit Air have indicated that flight operations will be reassessed based on weather conditions and demand in the post-monsoon season. In the meantime, local authorities continue to monitor conditions, while urging travelers to stay updated on weather-related travel advisories.
