POKHARA: Pokhara International Airport is preparing to launch its first direct flight connection to Australia, with China’s Sichuan Airlines planning to operate the route via Chengdu. The airline has formally requested approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) for the new service.

Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer at CAAN, confirmed that Sichuan Airlines has held informal talks to secure flight permissions, and the approval process is underway. The airline aims to begin operations in September. “Sichuan Airlines plans to fly from Pokhara to Australia via Chengdu. Bilateral discussions are ongoing, and the airline will soon submit its flight schedule,” Bhul added.

This new route is expected to improve convenience for Nepali travelers flying to and from Australia.

Previously, Sichuan Airlines operated charter flights to Pokhara International Airport. Its Airbus A319 made its inaugural landing on June 21, 2023, during the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race Festival at Fewa Lake, transporting Chinese officials, athletes, and tourists.

Currently, Himalaya Airlines is the only airline operating regular flights from Pokhara, flying once a week on the Kathmandu–Lhasa–Pokhara–Lhasa–Kathmandu route. The airline started commercial operations at Pokhara two years after the airport opened.

Meanwhile, Bhutan’s private carrier, Bhutan Airlines (TASHI), is also planning to operate charter flights to and from Pokhara. According to Bhul, the airline has applied for permission to conduct two or three chartered flights between Pokhara and Paro International Airport on September 28 and October 4.

Bhutan Airlines has expressed interest in launching regular flights as well. “If chartered flights prove successful, the authority has agreed to grant ‘fifth freedom flight’ rights via Pokhara, similar to permissions given for Kathmandu and Bhairahawa,” said Bhul. Initially, Bhutan Airlines plans to operate the Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu route and hopes to expand to routes such as Paro–Pokhara–Delhi and Delhi–Pokhara–Paro.

With Himalaya Airlines currently operating and Sichuan and Bhutan Airlines preparing to join, officials believe these developments will help fully operationalize Pokhara International Airport and offer travelers more convenient international flight options.