Pokhara Airport waives fees to lure global airlines

KATHMANDU, July 23: The government has approved a package of fee waivers for airlines operating from Pokhara International Airport in a bid to attract more international carriers and expand overseas flights.

At its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the government decided to waive parking, landing and navigation fees in full for international airlines until mid-September 2028. It also approved a 50 per cent discount on ground-handling charges.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the incentives would help expand regular international services, including the upcoming Pokhara to Dubai route, and encourage more foreign airlines to operate from the airport.

"The decision will significantly support tourism promotion, improve air connectivity and boost overall economic activity," he said.

Flydubai is scheduled to begin direct flights from Pokhara to Dubai on September 23. The service will connect Pokhara to Dubai, one of the world's major aviation transit hubs, providing easier onward travel to Europe, the United States and other destinations.

Despite being operational for three years, Pokhara International Airport has yet to secure regular scheduled international flights.

Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula said Flydubai has already opened ticket bookings after receiving approval for the Dubai to Pokhara flight schedule. He said the new route would shorten travel time and reduce travel costs for passengers heading to Europe, the United States and other destinations via Dubai.

The service is also expected to make it easier for foreign tourists to travel directly to Pokhara, Nepal's tourism capital, and nearby tourist destinations. It is expected to benefit Nepalis travelling abroad for employment, education and tourism, particularly to Gulf countries.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal granted Flydubai permission in May to operate daily Dubai to Pokhara flights. The airline has since published its flight schedule.

The approval came shortly after the government announced in its fiscal year 2026 to 2027 policy and program that it would pursue diplomatic efforts to attract international airlines to Pokhara International Airport.

So far, the airport has handled only a limited number of chartered international flights to neighboring countries and has not operated regular international services. Built with a loan of nearly Rs 22 billion, the airport has largely been limited to domestic operations.