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Ensuring International Flights from Pokhara Airport: Officials Address Concerns

Ensuring International Flights from Pokhara Airport: Officials Address Concerns

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has clarified that there are no technical issues preventing international flights from operating at the Pokhara International Airport. Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, officials highlighted that the airport is well-equipped for narrow-body aircraft, such as Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, which typically accommodate up to 180 passengers. However, they confirmed that larger wide-body aircraft cannot operate due to design specifications.

Deputy Director of Pokhara Airport, Jasodha Subedi, dismissed rumors about technical problems hindering international flights. “The airport is state-of-the-art, and we are ready to operate flights at any time,” she stated, adding that nine international flights, including a recent chartered flight from India, have already demonstrated the airport’s operational capability.

Anup Joshi, Manager at CAAN Pokhara, acknowledged geographical constraints, such as the narrow airspace and surrounding hills, but assured that these do not obstruct international flights. He emphasized the need for supporting infrastructure to attract airlines and ensure passenger convenience. “Issues like lack of direct transportation to the airport and inadequate facilities for passengers must be addressed,” he noted.

Deputy Manager and Engineer Krishna Prasad Paudel reiterated that the airport is designed for narrow-body aircraft and that claims of technical flaws are baseless. He also recalled instances like the 179-ton cargo landing during the Jajarkot earthquake relief operations to highlight the airport’s capability.

Former Deputy Director of CAAN, Om Sharma, stressed the importance of passenger demand for sustaining flight operations, while Kishor Dutta Baral, President of the Nepali Congress Kaski, assured that the party is committed to the sustainable operation of the airport and international flights.

Gokarna Karki, President of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the emotional connection the business community shares with the airport. He recalled the long struggle for its construction, including a relay hunger strike involving over 2,400 participants that ultimately pressured authorities to complete the project. Karki announced that the chamber is ready to launch pressure campaigns if necessary to ensure regular international flights.

Former member of the Nepal Tourism Board, Basu Tripathi, called for combating misconceptions that flights cannot operate from Pokhara. He stressed the government’s responsibility to ensure flight operations and the private sector’s role in attracting passengers.

The event, moderated by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary Shobha Gautam, featured various speakers, including tourism council members, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. They urged CAAN to address lingering doubts and facilitate seamless international connectivity from Pokhara.

The program served as a platform to reaffirm commitment to making Pokhara International Airport a hub for international flights while addressing concerns about its operation and promoting collaboration among stakeholders to achieve this goal.

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