Chinese Sichuan Airlines to launch Pokhara–Australia flights via Chengdu

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s aviation sector is set for a major boost as Sichuan Airlines prepares to operate international flights from Pokhara International Airport to Australia via Chengdu, China. The Chinese carrier has formally sought approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to commence the route, with plans to begin operations from September.

CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul confirmed that informal discussions have already taken place and the regulatory process for permission is underway. “Sichuan Airlines has expressed its intention to operate Pokhara–Chengdu–Australia flights. Once the formal process concludes, the airline will submit its schedule,” Bhul said, adding that the flights will significantly benefit Nepali passengers traveling to and from Australia.

Sichuan Airlines had earlier tested the market by conducting charter flights to Pokhara. The carrier’s Airbus A319 first landed at the airport on June 20, 2023 (Asar 6, 2080 BS), transporting Chinese tourists and participants for the “Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival” at Fewa Lake. Building on this experience, the airline now seeks to establish Australia as a regular destination.

Bhutan Airlines Prepares Charter Flights from Pokhara

Alongside Sichuan’s expansion, Bhutan’s private carrier, Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air), has also applied for charter flight permissions from Pokhara to Paro International Airport. According to CAAN, the airline has requested approval for two to three charter services on September 28 and in October.

“If the charter services prove sustainable, Bhutan Airlines will later operate scheduled flights under the fifth freedom traffic rights, allowing connections such as Paro–Pokhara–Delhi and Delhi–Pokhara–Paro,” Bhul noted. The charter approval is expected to be granted within days.

Currently, only Himalaya Airlines operates regular weekly flights at Pokhara International Airport, linking Kathmandu–Lhasa–Pokhara–Lhasa–Kathmandu. CAAN believes that the entry of Sichuan and Bhutan Airlines will revitalize the airport and provide more options for travelers.

Infrastructure and Capacity of Pokhara Airport

Pokhara International Airport, inaugurated on January 1, 2023 (Poush 17, 2079 BS), is a national pride project constructed at a cost of around NPR 22 billion. Spread over 3,900 ropani, the airport has a 2,500-meter runway with a 45-meter width and can handle up to 800,000 passengers annually. It became Nepal’s third international airport after Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa, which opened six months earlier.

Airport General Manager Jagan Nath Niraula confirmed that while Himalaya Airlines is currently the only regular operator, September will mark a turning point with Sichuan and Bhutan Airlines joining operations.

Revival of Gautam Buddha International Airport

Meanwhile, Bhairahawa’s GBIA is also witnessing renewed activity. Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways and Thai AirAsia are set to restart operations under the upcoming winter schedule. Thai AirAsia plans to resume flights from October 26 with two weekly services, while Jazeera Airways, which previously operated flights twice from Bhairahawa but suspended them citing technical reasons, also intends to re-enter the market this winter.

Although Nepal Airlines had been operating Bhairahawa–Malaysia flights, the service has been suspended due to aircraft shortages. Various charter flights are currently operating from GBIA, while CAAN expects Jazeera and Thai AirAsia’s return to boost the airport’s profile.

Incentives to Attract International Airlines

To encourage foreign carriers to expand into Pokhara and Bhairahawa, the government has introduced significant financial incentives. Effective from August 12, 2024 (Shrawan 28, 2081 BS), all international flights from the two airports are exempt from parking, landing, and navigation charges. Ground handling services by Nepal Airlines Corporation are provided at a 75% discount, with only 25% of the original fee payable.

Additionally, the NPR 3,000 per passenger airport service charge levied on international tickets has been waived for flights departing from Pokhara and Bhairahawa. The policy is part of the government’s broader “Civil Aviation Reform and International Airport Operational Plan,” designed to attract more airlines and diversify Nepal’s aviation connectivity beyond Kathmandu.

Expanding Nepal’s Aviation Network

Nepal currently has bilateral air service agreements with 42 countries. CAAN has clarified that while charter permits face no difficulty, new regular routes will now be prioritized from Pokhara and Bhairahawa. At present, 30 international airlines, including three Nepali carriers, operate from TIA.

Bhutan Airlines already utilizes fifth freedom rights to connect Paro–Kathmandu–Delhi four times a week, while Druk Air continues its overflight services between Paro, Kathmandu, and Delhi. CAAN officials are optimistic that Sichuan Airlines’ Australia-bound flights from Pokhara and Jazeera’s and Thai AirAsia’s return to Bhairahawa will encourage more carriers to follow suit.

“Pokhara and Bhairahawa are strategically important. Once international airlines establish sustainable routes here, both airports will become major gateways for Nepal, reducing excessive dependency on Tribhuvan International Airport,” Bhul stated.

With new carriers entering Pokhara and Bhairahawa and attractive government incentives in place, aviation experts believe Nepal is positioning itself to transform its secondary airports into viable international hubs, enhancing tourism, trade, and global connectivity.