Pokhara International Airport, inaugurated on January 1, 2023, by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ remains without regular international flights nearly two years after its opening. Despite a few chartered flights, the facility, built at a cost of approximately NPR 22 billion through loans, has yet to fulfill its potential, leaving the government unable to reap the anticipated benefits.
Although the long-held 50-year vision to establish an international airport in Pokhara has been realized, its incomplete operationalization has led to growing dissatisfaction among locals and stakeholders. Tourism entrepreneurs in the city, often referred to as the tourist capital of Nepal, are increasingly disheartened as the lack of international connectivity hampers their expectations of a significant foreign tourist influx. Following the airport’s construction, investments worth nearly NPR 100 billion were made in Pokhara’s tourism sector in anticipation of a boost, which remains unrealized.
Repeated Appeals to Central Authorities
Efforts to initiate regular international flights from Pokhara have been ongoing, with appeals from the provincial government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and tourism entrepreneurs to the federal government. Most recently, on Tuesday, a delegation led by Gandaki Province’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Mitralal Basyal, met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to press for the commencement of flights. During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed the necessity of operationalizing international flights from Pokhara and pledged to take necessary steps.

“We have submitted a memorandum to both the Prime Minister and officials at the Civil Aviation Authority regarding international flights,” Minister Basyal stated. “We are hopeful that Pokhara will soon witness regular international operations, as both parties have committed to taking the necessary measures.” He also stressed the importance of diplomatic initiatives by the federal government to create favorable conditions for international flights.
Operational Delays Raise Questions
Minister Basyal voiced concerns over the prolonged delay, emphasizing that the operational gaps of the loan-funded airport are causing financial losses to the state. “Questions are being raised, and public grievances are rising as the airport remains underutilized despite its inauguration almost two years ago. If there are technical challenges, they must be addressed immediately to facilitate international operations,” he added.
Calls for Immediate Action
Former Central President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Anand Raj Mulmi, described the failure to begin international flights as disappointing, considering the airport was a long-cherished dream of Pokhara residents. He urged the government to expedite diplomatic efforts and prevent further delays, as the airport’s underutilization has drawn widespread criticism. “Pokhara’s identity as a tourist hub will remain unrealized unless regular international flights begin,” he remarked, suggesting Nepal Airlines take the lead in initiating flights.
Tourism entrepreneurs are also demanding government support in the form of policy facilitation and incentive packages to launch flights to key international destinations. Poma Narayan Shrestha, former president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, highlighted the severe impact on tourism businesses. “Approximately NPR 600 billion has been invested in Pokhara’s tourism sector, with major infrastructure like star hotels being developed around the airport. However, delays in international operations have left investors in distress,” he said.
Potential for Regional Connectivity
Tourism entrepreneurs believe that initiating flights to neighboring countries like China and India could bring a significant number of tourists annually. Suggestions include streamlining policies, facilitating agreements with airlines, and allowing national carriers to connect Pokhara with major cities in India and China.
Although Pokhara International Airport currently operates domestic flights to destinations like Kathmandu, Bharatpur, and Bhairahawa, the lack of international connectivity continues to limit its potential. Tourism stakeholders are urging swift action to unlock Pokhara’s full capacity and solidify its status as a gateway for international travelers.