Bhutan’s national carrier, Bhutan Airlines, has begun direct flights between Pokhara and Paro (Bhutan).
The airline formally inaugurated the Pokhara–Paro direct route today with a ceremonial flight. Earlier, Bhutan Airlines had announced regular flights on this route starting from October.
At that time, the airline had planned four regular charter flights on October 12, 16, 20, and 24. However, the scheduled flights were halted due to the Gen-Z movement in Nepal.
According to the airline, they adjusted the previously announced flight schedule and officially launched the service from Tuesday onward.
The first flight from Pokhara to Paro carried nine passengers—including Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya—along with crew members. The 126-seater aircraft arrived empty when flying from Paro to Nepal.
The inaugural flight was launched by Mayor Acharya with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Mayor Acharya shared on social media that he had reached Thimphu aboard a Bhutan Airlines aircraft. He mentioned that the previously planned team did not participate in the inaugural flight.
He also stated that he traveled to Thimphu at the invitation of Parasara Prasai, Chairman of Universal Tours and Travels (UTT), the representative of Bhutan Airlines. Acharya is scheduled to stay for three days before returning to Pokhara.
He clarified that his Bhutan trip was a goodwill visit and that no expenses would be borne by Pokhara Metropolitan City.
It is expected that the Pokhara–Paro flights will help revive tourism, which has slowed due to the recent economic downturn and the Gen-Z movement in Nepal.
Taranath Pahari, Chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council—the umbrella organization of tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara—said the commencement of the flights is a very positive step.
“Our long-standing view is that Pokhara should have international flights,” he said. “Bhutan Airlines starting flights is a great move. Even if expectations are moderate, regular flights will definitely help promote tourism.”
He stressed the need to create an environment for similar international flights to other destinations as well. Previously, Sichuan Airlines had launched flights from Pokhara to Chengdu, China, and Himalaya Airlines had begun flights to Tibet.
