The possibility of operating flights between Pokhara and Biratnagar hasn’t been discussed lately. The flights between these two destinations came into consideration earlier with effort of the state government.
Honorable Late Minister Rabindra Adhikari on Jestha 2075 had announced to initiate Pokhara-Biratnagar flights however, it couldn’t happen till now. No any efforts have been made after the then aviation minister Adhikari passed away in a tragic helicopter crash at Taplejung.
The flight between two cities is aimed to attract Indian tourists which will boost the economic and tourism industry. The state ministry, federal ministry, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and related authorities have not shown their interest in executing the project.
The civil aviation official from Biratnagar airport reports that no any airline companies are interested to operate the flights. The airport doesn’t require any enhancement for flights to Pokhara so, it can happen anytime with the approval from CAAN but the airlines are not ready to operate flights.
Biratnagar Airport officials claim that the direct flights to Pokhara will attract Indian as well as Bangladeshi tourists. Besides, the staffs of NGO, INGO and local tourists will also get benefit from the flights.
Airlines Company have reported that they wouldn’t get enough passengers for the flight. They are not sure whether the people prefer airway rather than roadway or can afford the air travel.
At the present scenario, Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines can conduct flights between the two cities. Both airlines can operate flights with nights-stop at Biratnagar Airport.
Travel and Tourism agencies who had shown keen interest towards the flight earlier are now being silent.
The tourism entrepreneurs from Biratnagar haven’t been successful to gain revenue from air travel. Their previous attempt of mountain flights from Biratnagar Airport failed as they couldn’t handle the increasing expenditures after operating 4 mountain flights and had to completely halt it.
