Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have strongly urged the government to initiate direct international flights from Pokhara to various Indian cities and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasizing its critical importance for reviving tourism and utilizing the Pokhara Regional International Airport to its full potential.
This demand has been forwarded in anticipation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s scheduled visit to India in September. Entrepreneurs are calling for the inclusion of the Pokhara–India direct flight agenda as a key priority during bilateral discussions with the Indian government.
Business Viability and Diplomatic Engagement
Stakeholders argue that direct flights between Pokhara and major Indian cities such as New Delhi and Varanasi are not only commercially viable but also vital for enhancing religious and leisure tourism. A delegation of tourism entrepreneurs, led by Hotel Association Pokhara, met with Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel on Thursday to present this proposal. They also expressed their intent to convey the message directly to the Prime Minister, but due to his busy schedule, the matter was relayed through the Finance Minister.
Laxman Subedi, President of Hotel Association Pokhara, stated, “We have urged the Finance Minister to ensure that the agenda of launching direct flights from Pokhara to Indian cities is included in the Prime Minister’s upcoming India visit. Due to his engagements, we couldn’t meet the Prime Minister directly.”
Idle Airport Amidst Heavy Investment
The entrepreneurs voiced concern that despite the government taking on significant foreign debt to construct the Pokhara Regional International Airport, regular international flights have yet to commence. This underutilization has caused severe setbacks to the tourism industry in Pokhara, one of Nepal’s prime tourist destinations.
“There is over Rs. 500 billion invested in more than 700 hotels in Pokhara,” Subedi said, “but the absence of direct international flights has left the tourism sector paralyzed.” He added that not only is the direct air route economically justified, but it also demands active diplomatic intervention to facilitate agreements with neighboring and Gulf countries.
Inclusion of Hotels in Industrial Policy Sought
During their meeting with Finance Minister Poudel, tourism entrepreneurs also pressed for the swift implementation of the government’s policy to recognize hotels as formal industries, as declared in the current fiscal budget. Although hotels are registered as industries, they have not received equal facilities and benefits compared to other industrial sectors.
Subedi emphasized, “We have asked the government to expedite the policy’s enforcement so hotels can finally access the services and incentives that other industries enjoy.”
Appeal to UAE Ambassador for Direct Flights
In parallel efforts, the delegation also met with UAE Ambassador to Nepal, Abdullah Saeed Mubarak Al-Mutaiwee, requesting support in initiating direct flights between Pokhara and the UAE. The entrepreneurs highlighted that a significant number of youths from the Gandaki region are employed in the UAE, and a substantial portion of tourists visiting Pokhara transit through UAE hubs such as Dubai.
Ambassador Mubarak responded positively, expressing his fondness for Pokhara and promising to convey the proposal to relevant airlines. Subedi shared, “His Excellency said he has visited Pokhara multiple times and would actively push airline companies to consider operating direct flights. Discussions are also underway to attract UAE investors into Pokhara’s tourism sector.”
Broader Investment and Infrastructure Concerns
The delegation urged both the government and foreign diplomats to encourage investment in the tourism sector, stating that improved air connectivity would not only benefit local businesses but also attract foreign capital. UAE-based investors are being targeted for hotel and infrastructure development projects.
The meeting was attended by key figures such as Biplav Poudel, Bharat Raj Parajuli (central members of Hotel Association Nepal), and Pomanarayan Shrestha, former chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council.
Government Acknowledges the Need for Air Connectivity
Responding to the delegation, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel acknowledged the critical role of air connectivity for Pokhara. He informed the representatives that infrastructure work on highways connecting Pokhara is progressing steadily and that the government is actively working to operationalize international flights from both Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports.
“The government invested heavily in building these airports. Now, it’s imperative that we operate them. Direct international flights are not just necessary—they are urgent,” Poudel remarked.
Pokhara International Airport: High Expectations, Slow Start
The Pokhara Regional International Airport officially came into operation on January 1, 2023 (17th of Poush, 2079). Despite its modern infrastructure and ambitious launch, the airport has struggled to attract consistent international airline traffic, rendering it largely idle and underutilized.
The delay in launching regular international routes has disappointed local stakeholders who hoped the airport would boost Pokhara’s economy and establish the city as an international tourist hub. The latest demands from tourism entrepreneurs are seen as a renewed push to realize the airport’s original vision.
As Pokhara continues to grapple with the repercussions of a sluggish tourism rebound and an underused international airport, stakeholders are ramping up diplomatic and political pressure. With coordinated efforts involving government officials and foreign diplomats, the city’s tourism sector is hoping for a breakthrough in securing direct international flight routes that could reenergize one of Nepal’s most iconic destinations. The coming months, particularly Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India, may prove pivotal in translating these demands into action.
