Buddha Air, one of Nepal’s leading private airlines, is set to resume its Nepalgunj–Pokhara flight service from September 16, 2026, after suspending the route for around four months. The resumption is expected to improve air connectivity between western Nepal’s major cities and support the movement of both domestic and international tourists.
According to Binit Bikram Shah, Station Manager of Buddha Air’s Nepalgunj branch, the airline decided to restart the service in response to increasing demand from passengers. The route of Buddha Air had remained suspended for several months, but rising demand for air travel has prompted the airline to bring the service back into operation.
Flights to Operate Three Days a Week
Following the resumption, Buddha Air will operate flights on the Nepalgunj–Pokhara route every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. The three weekly services are expected to provide passengers with greater flexibility while strengthening connectivity between the two tourism hubs.
The restoration of the route is particularly significant for travelers seeking convenient access between Nepalgunj and Pokhara without having to rely on longer overland journeys.
Important Link for Indian Tourists
The Nepalgunj–Pokhara air route also holds strategic importance for tourism as Nepalgunj lies close to the Indian border and provides convenient access for travelers from Uttar Pradesh and other nearby Indian cities.
With Pokhara being one of Nepal’s most popular tourism destinations, direct air connectivity from Nepalgunj can make travel easier for Indian tourists, particularly those visiting Nepal for religious, leisure and pilgrimage purposes.
The route can also support tourists arriving through the Nepalgunj area and traveling onward to Pokhara, potentially contributing to greater tourist movement between western Nepal and the country’s major tourism hub.
Service Had Been Suspended Amid Lower Demand
Buddha Air had suspended the Nepalgunj–Pokhara service around four months ago amid rising fuel prices and a decline in the number of Indian pilgrims traveling through the route.
The reduction in passenger demand had affected the sustainability of the service, leading to its temporary suspension. However, the tourism and aviation environment has recently shown signs of improvement, particularly with an increase in religious tourism and passenger demand.
Rising Religious Tourism Boosts Demand
According to the airline, the recent increase in the number of religious tourists has contributed to renewed demand for air services from Nepalgunj. The city serves as an important gateway for visitors from nearby parts of India, while improved connectivity can help distribute tourists to destinations beyond the border areas.
The renewed service is therefore expected to benefit not only passengers but also hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, restaurants and other businesses associated with the tourism industry.
Tourism Sector Welcomes Flight Resumption
Tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders have welcomed Buddha Air’s decision to resume flights on the route. They believe the service will strengthen connectivity between Nepalgunj and Pokhara, two important tourism centers with different but complementary tourism potentials.
Tourism fraternity representatives have expressed optimism that regular flights will encourage greater movement of visitors between the two cities and contribute to tourism promotion in both destinations.
The resumption of the Nepalgunj–Pokhara service is expected to provide a boost to tourism connectivity at a time when passenger demand is recovering, and religious tourism is gaining momentum. Regular flights could further strengthen the link between western Nepal, the Indian market and Pokhara’s tourism economy.
