The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki, has expressed serious concern over the suspension of flights on the Pokhara-Jomsom route by private airlines, warning that the disruption could affect tourists, pilgrims, local businesses and emergency rescue operations in Mustang.
TAAN Gandaki issued its concern following notices from Summit Air Limited announcing that it would suspend Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flights from October 29, 2026, until the next operating season, while Tara Air Pvt. Ltd. announced the suspension of flights to and from Jomsom from October 19 until further notice.
Pokhara-Jomsom Route Vital for Mustang Tourism
The Pokhara-Jomsom air route is a crucial transportation link for domestic and international tourists, trekkers and pilgrims traveling to Mustang, Kagbeni and the renowned religious destination of Muktinath. The importance of the air route has increased following recent floods and landslides along the Kali Gandaki River, which have damaged the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section and disrupted road transportation.
With road connectivity already affected, TAAN Gandaki said the suspension of air services could make travel to and from the region significantly more difficult. It also warned that the lack of reliable air connectivity could create serious challenges for the evacuation of critically ill patients, accident victims and people affected by natural disasters.
Suspension Could Disrupt Annapurna and Upper Mustang Tourism
The Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang are among the major international tourism destinations in Gandaki Province. Reliable air connectivity plays an important role in supporting trekking, nature-based tourism, cultural experiences and pilgrimage tourism in these areas.
According to TAAN Gandaki, the suspension of flights could disrupt tourists’ pre-planned itineraries and create difficulties for trekking and travel companies. Hotels, guides, porters and local communities that depend heavily on tourism-related income could also face financial losses. The association further warned that prolonged disruption could negatively affect Nepal’s reputation as a reliable tourism destination, particularly among international travelers who make advance bookings and plan fixed itineraries.
Limited Alternative Air Capacity Raises Concern
TAAN Gandaki has also pointed to the limited capacity of Nepal Airlines to provide alternative services to remote destinations when private airlines suspend operations. The association said the problem could become more complicated if private carriers stop operating on remote routes without adequate alternative services being available.
It has therefore urged the government to take special initiatives to expand aircraft availability and operational capacity for flights to remote areas. TAAN Gandaki stressed that strengthening the country’s capacity to serve remote destinations is essential not only for tourism but also for emergency transportation and rescue operations.
TAAN Supports Aviation Safety but Seeks Continuity
The association said aviation safety must remain the highest priority and acknowledged that airlines must fully comply with weather conditions, technical requirements and aviation safety standards. However, it urged the concerned authorities and airlines to operate regular flights wherever possible within the applicable safety standards. In cases where flights must be suspended because of unavoidable safety or technical circumstances, TAAN Gandaki called for reliable alternative transportation arrangements and emergency rescue services for passengers.
Calls for Immediate Government Intervention
TAAN Gandaki has urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Nepal Airlines and the concerned private airlines to review their decisions regarding the suspension of flights. The association has called for Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flights and other air services to remote destinations to be resumed as soon as possible and operated regularly, subject to aviation safety requirements.
It has also urged the government to prioritize the safe movement of passengers, tourism activities in remote regions and humanitarian rescue operations while developing a long-term solution to the connectivity challenges faced by remote tourism destinations. TAAN Gandaki said timely intervention is necessary to protect the tourism economy of Mustang and ensure that tourists, pilgrims and local residents continue to have dependable access to the region.
