KATHMANDU: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has formally requested Nepal Airlines Corporation and Himalayan Airlines to submit their winter flight schedules for operations via Pokhara International Airport, as construction at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) continues to restrict flight approvals.
In a circular issued on Tuesday, CAAN highlighted the need for alternative operational hubs as the TIA expansion limits daily operating hours to just 10. The circular emphasizes that all necessary infrastructure and services have been set up at Pokhara International Airport to accommodate domestic and international flights, presenting an immediate alternative for airlines needing additional routes.
“We are working to encourage airlines to operate more flights from Pokhara, as well as from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa,” said Pradeep Adhikari, CAAN’s Director General. “Efforts are being made to reduce pressure on TIA and ensure smooth air travel for passengers, especially during peak seasons.”
The directive from CAAN comes amid growing concerns about congestion at TIA, which has been operating under high traffic pressure for years. Despite ongoing expansion efforts, TIA remains limited in terms of capacity, which affects service quality and punctuality. To address these challenges, CAAN has been actively promoting both Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports as viable alternatives for airlines.
Pokhara International Airport, which began operations this year, is equipped with modern facilities to handle both domestic and international flights. With CAAN’s encouragement, the airport could soon see an increase in scheduled flights, which would also benefit the tourism-driven economy of Pokhara.
Alongside the Pokhara operations, Gautam Buddha International Airport has also started hosting more flights, currently facilitating four daily operations. The increase in flights from Bhairahawa has led to renewed optimism among local business owners, particularly in the hotel and tourism sectors, who are hopeful that increased accessibility will attract more tourists to the Lumbini region.
CAAN’s circular also reflects its push to ease air travel bottlenecks across Nepal. The authority has taken steps to improve coordination with airlines, ensuring that they utilize underused infrastructure, like the Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports, which have been developed specifically to handle additional traffic and reduce congestion at TIA.
While Bhairahawa has gained traction among airlines, with some initiating regular flights, Pokhara has seen slower uptake. According to Adhikari, this winter’s schedule submissions will allow CAAN to evaluate and potentially approve more flights from Pokhara, thereby balancing traffic across Nepal’s key airports.
Airlines are reportedly showing a positive response to CAAN’s initiative, although some initially hesitated due to operational adjustments needed for these newer routes. The move by CAAN could provide a long-term solution to the capacity issues at TIA, especially as air travel demand in Nepal continues to grow, spurred by both domestic and international tourism.
With tourism in Nepal gradually rebounding post-pandemic, CAAN’s efforts to streamline and diversify air travel options are being welcomed by industry stakeholders. The increase in flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa not only reduces pressure on TIA but also spreads economic benefits across multiple regions, enhancing Nepal’s overall connectivity.
This strategic push for alternative airport utilization is expected to improve passenger convenience and reduce the pressure on TIA’s infrastructure, making air travel smoother and potentially boosting tourism across Nepal.