Passengers of Jumla were bound to follow long air route to reach to Surkhet, the provincial capital as the district remained disconnected with direct air travel. There was no direct flight from Jumla to its province capital, Surkhet. But now, Summit Air has begun the direct flight to Jumla from Surkhet from Wednesday in which 18 passengers embarked on their journey from Surkhet to Jumla.
Locals of Jumla and air passengers traveling in the route have expressed relief and are thankful towards provincial government and the airline company for connecting the capital with their district.
Just before the initiation of direct flights, air passengers had to travel first to Nepalgunj and then travel back to Surkhet.
Summit Air has conducted an informal flight on Wednesday and also has confirmed to operate two regular flights (Tuesday and Friday) per week in the route. The airfare has been allocated as Rs 4,100 for Surkhet to Jumla whereas Rs 4,000 for Jumla to Surkhet.
Although Jumla is connected to the capital with roadways via Karnali Highway, it is of no use during monsoon due to heavy rainfall and frequent landslides. And people who need to travel to Surkhet have to use air route to travel.
Simikot is already connected to Surkhet as Sita Airlines commenced its regular flights between Surkhet and Simikot Airport, Humla. Authorities at Karnali zone have committed to connect other districts at Karnali with Surkhet Airport.
