Pokhara Domestic Airport has experienced a gradual increase in the number of air passengers. Around 1.5 lakh air passengers have increased than the previous year.
4,11,536 air passengers traveled to and fro the Pokhara Airport in the fiscal year 073-74 whereas the number reached 5,53,207 in 074-75 which shows that 1,41,671 passengers have been increased. The reason for the increase in the number of air passengers is expected to be the unfavorable highway condition and effective air service by domestic airline operators.
Fiscal year 074-75 recorded 3,78,183 domestic travelers and 1,75,024 foreign travelers used air services from Pokhara airport. There were 2,72,059 domestic and 1,39,477 international passengers in the last year which illustrate that 1,06,124 domestic tourists and 35,547 foreign tourists have increased within 2 years.
Increase in flights frequency is the other reason for the increase in air passengers. Pokhara airport has been conducting regular flights to Bharatpur and Bhairahawa. Apart from those routes, the airport also conducts flights to Jomsom and Kathmandu daily from Pokhara. Ultra-light aircraft and helicopters also operate flights from Pokhara.
In 073-74, Pokhara airport operated 30,784 flights whereas 42,555 flights were operated in 074-75 which represent nearly 12,000 more flights in one year period. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Tara Air, Simrik Airlines conduct scheduled flights at Pokhara Airport.
Adventure and Leisure city Pokhara is one of the favorite destinations for tourists and a trekking gateway to the Annapurna’s with plenty of entertainment for individual travelers. Pokhara Airport has played an influential role in welcoming an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists. Besides, Pokhara Regional International Airport, a national pride project is expected to support the tourism industry.
