Kaski, Oct 19: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki, has called for the resumption of regular flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara route.
TAAN Gandaki has expressed concern over the suspension of flights to remote areas, warning that the move could disrupt tourism, passenger travel and emergency rescue operations.
The association raised the concern after Summit Air Ltd announced that it would suspend flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara route from October 21, 2026, until the next season. Tara Air Pvt Ltd also announced the suspension of flights to and from Jomsom from October 19 until further notice.
In a statement, TAAN Gandaki President Tirtha Raj Subedi said the Pokhara–Jomsom air route serves as an important transport link for domestic and foreign tourists, trekkers and pilgrims travelling to Mustang, Kagbeni and the famous religious site of Muktinath.
Subedi said suspending flights would make travel more difficult as road transport remains disrupted by damage to the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road section caused by floods and landslides along the Kali Gandaki River.
The statement warned that the suspension could also pose serious challenges to the evacuation of emergency patients, accident victims and people affected by natural disasters.
The Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang are major international tourism destinations in Gandaki Province. Subedi said the availability of reliable air services directly affects trekking, natural and cultural heritage tourism, and religious tourism in these areas.
According to the statement, the suspension could disrupt tourists’ prearranged travel plans and affect the jobs and incomes of hotel operators, trekking guides, porters and local communities.
Subedi also warned that the situation could become more difficult because Nepal Airlines Corporation lacks sufficient aircraft and operational capacity to provide alternative services to remote areas when private airlines suspend flights.
TAAN has urged the government, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Nepal Airlines Corporation and the concerned airlines to review their decisions and restore regular flights on the Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara route and other remote air routes as soon as possible.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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