Regular air services between Pokhara and Jomsom have been suspended, with private airlines operating on the popular mountain route halting scheduled flights before the end of the peak tourism season. The suspension comes as airlines cite aircraft maintenance requirements and declining passenger bookings amid recent floods and landslides that have disrupted road connectivity in several parts of the country.
Tara Air and Summit Air Suspend Scheduled Services
The Pokhara–Jomsom route is served by private airlines Tara Air and Summit Air, which operate 18-seat aircraft on the route during the two main tourism seasons each year. According to Bishwaraj Sharma, Chief of the Civil Aviation Office in Jomsom, Tara Air suspended its regular flights last week, while Summit Air halted its scheduled service from Monday. The Pokhara–Jomsom air route normally operates regularly from August through November, coinciding with one of the most favorable periods for tourism in Mustang.
Aircraft Maintenance Also Affects Operations
Aircraft maintenance has also contributed to the suspension of regular services. Sharma said one of Tara Air‘s three aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance.
Similarly, one of Summit Air’s four aircraft is being prepared to be taken for maintenance. The reduced availability of aircraft has added pressure to regular operations on the Pokhara–Jomsom route, particularly as the airlines have also experienced weaker demand.
Floods and Landslides Lead to Booking Cancellations
Suman Thakali, Station In-charge of Summit Air at Jomsom, said the airline was forced to suspend scheduled flights after passenger bookings declined. According to Thakali, the devastating floods in Rasuwa and floods and landslides in various parts of the country disrupted road transportation and affected travel plans. As a result, a number of passengers cancelled their flight bookings, reducing demand for regular services. However, he said charter flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom route will continue despite the suspension of scheduled services.
More Than 1,200 Flights Operated Annually
Tara Air and Summit Air have collectively been operating more than 1,200 scheduled flights between Pokhara and Jomsom each year, providing an important air link to Mustang. The route is particularly significant for tourism in the region, offering travelers an alternative to the overland journey to Jomsom and connecting Pokhara with one of Nepal’s most popular Himalayan destinations. The early suspension of regular services could affect tourists planning visits to Mustang during the latter part of the autumn season, although charter operations are expected to provide an alternative for travelers requiring air connectivity.
