Pokhara Airport Offers Discounts to Attract International Airlines

The government has decided to waive various fees at Pokhara International Airport in a bid to attract international airlines. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, which agreed to provide a full waiver on ‘parking’, ‘landing’, and ‘navigation’ fees for international airlines until the end of Bhadra.

In addition, the government has also decided to provide a 50% discount on ‘ground handling’ fees. The mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya, expressed hope that the decision would create a favorable environment for regular flights to destinations such as Dubai and attract new airlines.

Regular International Flights to Begin

Fly Dubai will begin its direct flight service from Pokhara to Dubai from Ashar 7, 2083. The direct flight to Dubai, a global air transit hub, will connect Pokhara to the international air network. Despite being operational for three years, Pokhara International Airport has only seen limited domestic flights.

The airport’s general manager, Jagnnath Niraula, stated that Fly Dubai has opened ticket bookings after the flight schedule was approved. He added that the flight will provide convenience to travelers going to Europe, America, and other destinations via Dubai, reducing travel time and costs.

Foreign tourists can now fly directly to Pokhara, which is also a tourist capital, making it easier for them to visit the area. The flight service will also benefit travelers going to Arab countries and other destinations for foreign employment, study, and tourism.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal had granted permission to Fly Dubai for daily flights from Dubai to Pokhara in Jestha. Fly Dubai has since made its flight schedule public.

The government had announced in its current fiscal year’s policy and program that it would make diplomatic efforts to attract international airlines to Pokhara Airport. Shortly after, Fly Dubai received permission to operate flights.

Until now, Pokhara has only seen charter flights to neighboring countries, with no regular international flights. The Pokhara International Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 22 billion, has been limited to domestic flights.