Air travel between Pokhara and Jomsom has resumed after a two-month suspension, providing relief to tourists and local passengers alike. The service had been halted due to low passenger demand during the monsoon season and adverse weather conditions, which made flying risky. The resumption comes as the peak tourist season approaches, ensuring smoother connectivity for travelers heading to Mustang and surrounding areas.
Temporary Suspension During Monsoon Season
Private airlines operating in the region had temporarily suspended flights due to safety and operational concerns. Tara Airlines, a sister company of Yeti Airlines, halted Pokhara–Jomsom flights from Ashadh 2, while Summit Airlines stopped services from Ashadh 20. The decision was primarily influenced by heavy rainfall, low visibility, and turbulent weather conditions typical of Nepal’s monsoon period, which lasts from June to September.
Tour operators and local authorities had been anticipating the reopening of flights, as air transport plays a vital role in ensuring timely travel for tourists visiting Mustang and nearby trekking routes. The lack of flights over the past two months had caused some inconvenience to travelers, who had to rely on road transport, which is often challenging during the monsoon due to landslides and muddy terrain.
Resumption of Flights by Summit Airlines
According to Deepak Pokharel, chief of the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office, flights have resumed in time for the tourist season. Summit Airlines has restarted operations using its Twin Otter aircraft, which is well-suited for the short runway and high-altitude conditions of Jomsom Airport.
On the first day of operations, Summit Airlines conducted two flights between Pokhara and Jomsom. The initial flight carried 36 passengers, safely landing at Jomsom Airport. Pokharel noted that today alone, three helicopter companies operating in Mustang conducted eight flights, highlighting the region’s increased air traffic as tourism picks up.
The resumption of Summit Airlines’ flights marks a critical step in restoring regular air connectivity for both tourists and residents in the region. These flights are expected to facilitate easier access to Mustang’s trekking routes, cultural sites, and natural attractions, boosting local tourism and the economy.
Tara Airlines to Resume Flights Next Week
Tara Airlines is set to recommence flights a week later, further expanding options for travelers between Pokhara and Jomsom. Sujan Lalchan, station in-charge for Tara Airlines in Jomsom, confirmed that the airline will resume operations on September 7.
The staggered reopening of flights by both airlines ensures that passengers have multiple options for air travel, reducing congestion and providing flexibility in travel schedules. This also helps manage operational logistics at the small Jomsom Airport, which handles both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters serving remote areas of Mustang.
Importance of Air Connectivity in Mustang
Air travel is a vital lifeline for Mustang, one of Nepal’s most popular trekking and cultural destinations. The rugged terrain, high elevation, and limited road access make flights the fastest and safest mode of transportation for tourists, trekkers, and local residents.
The two-month flight suspension had temporarily slowed tourism activity, as visitors had to endure long and difficult road journeys from Pokhara to Mustang. With flights now resuming, tourists can reach Jomsom more comfortably and safely, allowing them to fully enjoy the region’s scenic beauty, including the Kali Gandaki Gorge, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and traditional villages.
Local businesses, hotels, and trekking agencies are expected to benefit significantly from the resumed flights, as steady tourist inflow is essential for sustaining economic activity in the remote region.
Safety Measures and Operational Preparedness
Airlines operating on the Pokhara–Jomsom route emphasize safety and careful planning, given the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Both Summit Airlines and Tara Airlines have equipped their Twin Otter aircraft to handle short runways and high-altitude landings, ensuring that passengers experience safe and comfortable travel.
The Civil Aviation Office in Jomsom continues to monitor weather conditions closely and coordinates with airlines to prevent disruptions. With the onset of the tourist season, authorities are also focused on maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring that safety standards are strictly adhered to.
Looking Ahead: Boosting Tourism and Local Economy
The resumption of air services between Pokhara and Jomsom is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region. Travelers now have faster and safer access to Mustang, which is renowned for its unique culture, trekking routes, and natural landscapes.
Local entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, and trekking service providers stand to gain as air connectivity improves, enabling more tourists to visit and explore the area. The gradual return of flights by both Summit Airlines and Tara Airlines underscores the importance of air travel in sustaining tourism and local livelihoods in Mustang.
As flights resume, authorities and airline operators are hopeful that increased passenger volumes will continue throughout the tourist season, supporting both tourism and regional development. The improved connectivity also encourages domestic travelers and adventure enthusiasts to explore the scenic landscapes and cultural richness of Mustang more conveniently.
After a two-month halt due to monsoon weather and reduced demand, air travel between Pokhara and Jomsom has resumed, marking a significant milestone for regional tourism. Summit Airlines has already restarted flights, while Tara Airlines is set to follow next week.
This resumption ensures safer, faster, and more convenient travel for tourists and locals, revitalizing tourism activity in Mustang. With steady air connectivity, the region is expected to witness a resurgence in visitor numbers, supporting local businesses and enhancing economic opportunities. Authorities remain committed to maintaining operational safety and efficiency, ensuring that tourists can enjoy their journey to one of Nepal’s most picturesque and culturally rich destinations.
