Private airlines suspend Pokhara–Jomsom flights

MUSTANG: Private airlines have suspended flights on Pokhara–Jomsom route for a couple of months. The move follows a sharp decline in the number of tourists visiting Mustang during the winter season.

Summit Airlines and Tara Air have halted services, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Jomsom office chief, Deepak Pokharel, said, citing adverse weather conditions, the risk of snowfall and a drop in tourist arrivals during the off‑season. Both carriers normally operate regular flights on the route.

Tara Air’s Mustang station in charge, Suchan Lalchan, said Pokhara–Jomsom flights have been suspended from December 4 to March 4. Summit Airlines stated that its services have remained closed for the past two months.

Chartered and emergency helicopter services are continuing to operate, providing limited connectivity for urgent travel and rescue needs.

Strong winter winds in Mustang significantly affect flight operations, industry sources said. In addition, improved travel convenience along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala roadway has led to a further decline in air passenger numbers.

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