The Pokhara Regional International Airport is set to operate its first commercial chartered flight on the Pokhara-Chengdu (China) route from March 18, aiming to regularize international flights.

Despite its inauguration two years ago, the airport has struggled to begin regular international flights.

According to Pokhara Tourism Council Chair Taranath Pahari, the private sector took the initiative to launch this flight. Sichuan Airlines, China Travels International (Chengdu), the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and the Pokhara Tourism Council collaborated to make it happen.

The Nepal-based Chinese Overseas Association has also extended its support. This initiative is expected to boost tourism in the province by gradually increasing the number of such flights.

Organizers plan to bring around 1,250 Chinese tourists directly from Sichuan province to Pokhara within the next three months. (With inputs from RSS)