POKHARA: Direct flights between Pokhara International Airport and Bhutan’s Paro International Airport have officially commenced.
Universal Tours and Travel (UTT) had previously announced plans to operate four charter flights starting September 28, but the flights could not take place due to various reasons.
Earlier schedules had also planned flights on September 28, October 2, 6, and 10. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya confirmed that Bhutan Air’s direct Pokhara–Paro service has now been officially launched.
Mayor Acharya, who traveled to Thimphu on the inaugural flight at the invitation of Bhutan Air and its Nepal representative, Universal Tours and Travels, said, “The aircraft that flew from Pokhara has landed safely at Paro Airport with nine guests and crew members. Although the pre-scheduled team trip could not proceed due to technical reasons, I expect regular flights to begin soon.”
He expressed confidence that Bhutan Airlines and Universal Tours and Travels would fulfill their earlier commitments by starting scheduled flights in the near future.
He added that although the program initially planned for October was postponed due to the political agitation in Nepal, the first flight has now successfully taken off. According to Bhutan Airlines, regular direct flights are expected to resume from April 2026.
Bhutan Airlines operates aircraft with a capacity of 126 passengers. Universal Tours and Travels has prepared a four-night, five-day travel package that includes charter flights. Pokhara Tourism Council Chairman Taranath Pahari said that the start of direct Pokhara–Bhutan flights will help strengthen tourism in both countries.
He said such international flights are essential for increasing the use of Pokhara International Airport and boosting tourism in the region. The government has also offered attractive incentives to international airlines flying to Pokhara and Bhairahawa, including waivers on all international flight fees except for 25 percent of Nepal Airlines Corporation’s ground handling charges.
The government has been offering discounts and concessions for international flights from these two airports, under the “Action Plan for the Overall Reform of the Civil Aviation Sector and the Operation of Gautam Buddha and Pokhara International Airports.” The concessions include waivers on parking, landing, navigation fees, and a discount on the Rs. 3,000 passenger service fee.
Currently, Bhutan Airlines operates four flights a week between Bhutan and Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
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