KATHMANDU: Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has issued a public call to make flights from Pokhara to Dubai regular and successful.

He has urged all three levels of government, the private sector, tourism entrepreneurs, and civil society to take the initiative seriously.

Mayor Acharya emphasized that the next three to four months are critical, urging passengers to prioritize using Pokhara International Airport. He stated, “If we cannot take initiative now, there will be no meaning in regretting later.” He noted that if the current regular international flights cannot be sustained, it could pose further challenges for the operation and expansion of international flights from the airport in the future.

He has encouraged passengers from Pokhara, as well as those from Dhaulagiri, Chitwan, Bharatpur, and Butwal, to use Pokhara International Airport for their travels. Acharya mentioned that efforts are underway to coordinate with relevant agencies to simplify processes such as visas and police reports for passengers. He added that a request has been made to the relevant embassy to allow Indian citizens to obtain a ‘No Objection Letter’ directly from the Pokhara Pension Camp office to facilitate their travel.

According to the mayor, about two dozen travel agencies in Pokhara are currently working on tickets, visas, and travel packages. He highlighted that airfares from Pokhara are cheaper compared to those from Kathmandu, and advised passengers to check flight details and fares with airlines or travel agencies before traveling. To assist passengers and increase bookings, FlyDubai has established a ‘Pokhara-Dubai Desk’ in front of the old airport in Pokhara.

Stating that Pokhara International Airport was established for regular international flights, Acharya emphasized that everyone must contribute from their respective positions to prove its potential and utility. He concluded by saying, “Pokhara belongs to all of us. Its international future is our collective responsibility.”