The government’s decision to waive several charges at Pokhara International Airport is expected to encourage international airlines to launch and expand regular flights from the airport. A Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday decided to provide a 100 percent waiver on parking, landing and navigation charges for international airlines until the end of Bhadra 2085 BS. The government has also decided to provide a 50 percent discount on ground handling charges. The incentives are aimed at attracting international airlines and increasing regular international connectivity from Pokhara International Airport, which has struggled to secure sustained scheduled international operations since coming into operation.
Mayor Says Incentives Will Help Expand International Connectivity
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya expressed confidence that the government’s decision would create a favourable environment for expanding regular flights to destinations such as Dubai and attracting additional international airlines. He said the fee waivers would provide important support for tourism promotion, the expansion of air connectivity and broader economic activities in Pokhara and the surrounding region.
The government’s decision comes as flydubai is preparing to launch direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai from Ashoj 7. The direct connection to Dubai, a major global aviation transit hub, is expected to connect Pokhara more effectively with international destinations across Europe, the United States and other regions.
Flydubai Has Opened Ticket Bookings
According to Jagannath Niraula, General Manager of Pokhara International Airport, flydubai has already opened ticket bookings after receiving approval for the Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flight schedule. The direct service is expected to benefit passengers travelling from Pokhara to Europe, the United States and other international destinations via Dubai. The direct connection could reduce travel time and costs for passengers who previously had to travel to other airports to access international routes.
Direct Flights Expected to Boost Tourism
The launch of regular international flights is also expected to benefit Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, by allowing foreign tourists to travel directly to the city and nearby tourist destinations. Pokhara serves as a gateway to several major tourism destinations, including trekking routes, mountain regions, lakes and other natural and cultural attractions. Improved international connectivity could make it easier for tourists to reach the city without travelling through Kathmandu or other transit points. The Pokhara–Dubai service is also expected to benefit Nepali passengers travelling to Gulf countries and other destinations for employment, education and tourism.
Civil Aviation Authority Granted Daily Flight Permission
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted flydubai permission in Jestha to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights. The airline has since published its flight schedule. The development follows the government’s announcement in its policy and programme for fiscal year 2083/84 that it would undertake diplomatic initiatives to attract international airlines to Pokhara International Airport.
Airport Has Struggled to Secure Regular International Flights
Pokhara International Airport has been in operation for nearly three years but has not yet established regular international flight services. Apart from some charter flights to neighbouring countries, the airport has remained largely dependent on domestic operations.
The airport was constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 22 billion, with the project financed through loans. Despite its international designation and significant investment, the lack of regular international flights has raised concerns over the utilisation of the airport and the financial burden associated with its construction. The government hopes that the latest incentives, along with the upcoming Pokhara–Dubai service, will help attract more airlines and gradually establish Pokhara as an international aviation gateway.
New Incentives Aim to Improve Airport Utilisation
The waiver of landing, parking and navigation fees, combined with the reduction in ground handling charges, is expected to reduce operating costs for international airlines. Authorities believe the incentives could make Pokhara International Airport more attractive to airlines considering new routes or additional services.
If more international carriers begin operating from the airport, it could increase tourist arrivals, improve connectivity for Nepali travellers and support trade and economic activities in the region. The success of the incentive package will depend on the ability of the government and aviation authorities to attract additional airlines and sustain regular international operations beyond the initial incentive period.
