Pokhara, November 19: Direct flights between Pokhara International Airport and Bhutan’s Paro International Airport officially commenced on Tuesday, marking an important milestone for tourism and connectivity in the region. Although Universal Tours and Travel (UTT) had initially announced four charter flights from September 28, the operations were delayed due to various circumstances. The service finally launched this week with Bhutan Air’s inaugural flight.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, who flew to Thimphu on the first flight at the invitation of Bhutan Air and UTT, confirmed that the aircraft arrived empty from Paro and returned with nine passengers and crew members. “Despite some technical issues preventing the originally planned team from traveling, I am optimistic that regular flights will begin soon,” he said.
A previously scheduled program expected to start in October had been postponed amid Nepal’s recent political unrest. According to Mayor Acharya, Bhutan Airlines has indicated that regular flights are likely to resume from April 2026.
Bhutan Airlines operates a 126-seat aircraft, and Universal Tours and Travel has introduced a four-night, five-day travel package in support of the charter operations. Tarunath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, said the direct route between Pokhara and Bhutan would greatly enhance tourism prospects for both nations.
The Government of Nepal has offered special concessions to encourage international flights from Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports. Under this scheme, airlines receive full exemptions on parking, landing, and navigation fees, along with a 75% discount on ground handling services provided by Nepal Airlines. The usual passenger service fee of Rs 3,000 per international ticket has also been waived.
Currently, Bhutan Airlines operates four weekly flights to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Pokhara has previously handled charter flights from Sichuan Airlines and regular operations by Himalaya Airlines, including Kathmandu–Lhasa–Pokhara connections.
Inaugurated on January 1, 2023, Pokhara International Airport was built at a cost of approximately Rs 22 billion. With its 2,500-meter runway and capacity to handle up to 800,000 passengers annually, the airport is expected to grow more vibrant as international links with Bhutan, China, and other destinations expand.
