Sichuan Airlines, a major Chinese carrier, is preparing to launch flights from Pokhara International Airport to Australia, with a stopover in Chengdu. The airline has initiated the necessary procedures with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to obtain formal approval for these international operations. Authorities confirmed that once final approvals are secured, the airline will release the flight schedules for public and travel industry information.
Expansion of International Services from Nepal’s Regional Airports
According to CAAN, Sichuan Airlines is ready to commence operations from Pokhara, marking a significant expansion of international services from Nepal’s regional airports. In parallel, Jazeera Airlines from Kuwait is also preparing to operate flights from Bhairahawa. Jazeera currently flies between Kathmandu and Kuwait, but with encouragement from the aviation authority, the airline plans to shift its operations to include Bhairahawa. In fact, Jazeera has conducted limited flights from Bhairahawa in the past by temporarily reducing Kathmandu flights and redirecting them to the regional airport.
Boosting Foreign Airline Presence
The initiation of Sichuan Airlines flights from Pokhara and Jazeera Airlines from Bhairahawa is expected to attract additional foreign carriers to these airports. Jazeera has previously operated flights twice from Bhairahawa, with the second service launched in February 2023 (Falgun 2079). The airline temporarily halted operations after about two and a half months due to technical reasons but is now showing interest in resuming regular flights.
Pokhara Airport’s Growing International Connectivity
Pokhara International Airport has already seen Sichuan Airlines operating successful charter flights and scheduled services. The airline first flew from Pokhara on June 20, 2023 (Ashadh 6, 2080 BS) using an Airbus A319, arriving at full passenger capacity from Chengdu to Kathmandu before returning to China. Subsequent flights also transported Chinese participants, athletes, and spectators for the Nepal–China Friendship Dragon Boat Race held at Fewa Lake on June 22–24, 2023 (Ashadh 8–9, 2080 BS).
Infrastructure and Government Support
Despite being built with approximately NPR 22 billion in Chinese government loans, Pokhara International Airport has not seen consistent international operations. Similarly, Bhairahawa Airport has faced challenges in attracting foreign carriers. The government, however, has made concerted efforts to revive international services, offering attractive incentives to airlines operating from these regional hubs.
Incentives for Airlines
Foreign airlines operating from Pokhara and Bhairahawa currently enjoy extensive fee waivers and concessions. All charges associated with international flights, including parking, landing, and navigation fees, are fully exempted. Passenger service fees of NPR 3,000 per ticket have been waived, while the Nepal Tourism Board’s service fees of NPR 1,000 are also fully exempted. Ground handling fees by Nepal Airlines Corporation are subject to only 25% of the standard charges, and aviation fuel prices at these airports are nearly USD 200 cheaper than Kathmandu rates.
Policy Framework and Continued Support
These incentives are part of the government’s broader aviation policy introduced on July 12, 2024 (Shrawan 28, 2081 BS), under the “Comprehensive Civil Aviation Improvement and Gautam Buddha & Pokhara International Airport Operation Action Plan.” The policy aims to encourage foreign carriers to operate from regional airports, boost tourism, and reduce congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. The concessions are designed to ensure sustainable international operations while making Nepal more accessible to global travelers.
Economic and Tourism Implications
The launch of international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa is expected to significantly enhance regional tourism and business connectivity. Pokhara, a major tourist hub, stands to benefit from direct links to China and Australia, providing easier access for international travelers. Similarly, Bhairahawa’s inclusion in international routes will benefit both the local economy and Nepal’s overall tourism sector. Authorities anticipate that the presence of multiple foreign airlines at these airports will create a competitive environment, ultimately improving service quality and reducing ticket costs.
Looking Ahead
With Sichuan Airlines preparing to operate flights from Pokhara to Australia via Chengdu, and Jazeera Airlines planning operations from Bhairahawa, Nepal is set to expand its regional international connectivity. These initiatives reflect a strategic push by the government and civil aviation authorities to diversify international air traffic, support regional economic growth, and promote Nepal as a convenient and attractive destination for global travelers.
The forthcoming operations from Pokhara and Bhairahawa mark a significant milestone in Nepal’s aviation sector. By offering attractive incentives and enabling foreign airlines to establish regular routes, the government is positioning regional airports as viable alternatives to Kathmandu, supporting both tourism and business development in the country.
