KATHMANDU: Buddha Air has temporarily suspended its direct flights between Nepalgunj and Pokhara, which had been in operation for nearly five years, citing low passenger demand and rising operational costs.
According to Buddha Air Nepalgunj Station Chief Binita Bikram Shah, the suspension has been made for one month due to a decline in the number of Indian religious tourists and high fuel expenses.
He said the drop in passenger flow was also linked to the month-long “Malmas” period, during which arrivals of Indian tourists significantly decrease.
The Nepalgunj–Pokhara direct service, which had been operating three times a week since August 1, 2021, was suspended from Tuesday.
The suspension has left passengers, tourism entrepreneurs, and local residents in western Nepal disappointed, as they will now have to rely on road transport, which takes at least 14 hours to reach Pokhara from Nepalgunj.
The service was originally launched with the initiative of the Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) Nepalgunj to promote tourism and facilitate travel for Indian tourists.
NATTA Nepalgunj founding chair Shriram Sigdel said the airline had officially informed stakeholders about the suspension, adding that the service has now become uncertain.
He also said that the route, which was initiated through private sector efforts, should have received stronger government support, which could have helped sustain the service.
The 35-minute direct flight had significantly boosted tourism connectivity, linking Nepalgunj with Pokhara and improving access to destinations such as Bardiya National Park, Karnali Chisapani, and Rara.
It also provided easier travel for tourists arriving from Indian cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Delhi.
At the time of launch, fares ranged from Rs 4,935 to Rs 7,635, depending on distance and booking conditions.
The 18-seater Beechcraft 1900D aircraft was being used for the service.
Officials said that although there were plans to expand the service to daily flights due to increasing demand, rising fuel prices and declining passenger numbers forced the suspension.
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