The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has instructed Nepal Airlines Corporation to begin operating international flights from Pokhara International Airport. The directive, issued in a letter on Tuesday, emphasizes the airline’s role as the national flag carrier in meeting the country’s growing aviation needs.

CAAN highlighted the importance of Nepal Airlines in addressing the decline in flights from Tribhuvan International Airport due to airport closure for upgrades and urged the state-owned airliner to submit its winter flight schedule for international destinations, including regular services from Pokhara.

“Given the strategic importance of Pokhara, it is essential for Nepal Airlines to operate regular international flights from the airport, fulfilling its national duty to connect major cities and provide seamless travel for both Nepali citizens and international passengers,” the letter stated.

Pokhara International Airport, which opened in January 2023, has faced significant challenges in attracting international airlines. Despite its modern infrastructure, the airport has struggled to secure a steady flow of international flights, with only a few foreign carriers operating services to the city. This has led to concerns that the airport could become a "white elephant" if its international flight capacity is not fully utilized. The airport, with a runway length of 2,500 meters, is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft, but its limited capacity for larger, wide-body planes restricts the type of international services it can attract.

The lack of international flights has hindered the airport’s potential to become a regional aviation hub, stalling the expected tourism boom. The local community had high hopes that the airport would boost tourism and bring economic benefits to the area, but these prospects have yet to materialize, leaving the airport’s future uncertain.