Kathmandu: For the first time, a commercial charter flight has been operated from Pokhara International Airport to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The flight, which took off on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone for the airport, which opened its doors in January 2023.
The historic flight was made possible through the collaboration of several organizations, including the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Sichuan Airlines, and the Chinese Association in Nepal. The flight is the result of persistent efforts by the private sector and local authorities to establish international connections for the newly inaugurated airport.
Onboard the first commercial flight were Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, Pokhara Tourism Council Chair Taranath Pahari, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Chief Maniraj Lamichhane, and a 126-member delegation of tourism entrepreneurs and media personnel. The delegation’s mission is to promote tourism between Nepal and China, specifically to highlight the potential of Pokhara as a travel destination.
The Pokhara team was warmly welcomed by Nepali Consul General to China Suresh Raut, Sichuan Provincial officials, and representatives from Sichuan Airlines at Chengdu Airport.
During the occasion, Mayor Acharya emphasized that the first commercial flight was the result of sustained efforts from various sectors, particularly when international flights had not yet been operational from Pokhara International Airport. Discussions were also held regarding business-to-business (B2B) opportunities between tourism entrepreneurs from Nepal and China, further bolstering the tourism prospects of Pokhara.
The successful launch of the commercial charter flight is a pivotal moment for Pokhara International Airport, furthering the city’s aspirations to become an international tourism hub.