Passenger traffic surges on Pokhara–Jomsom air route as flooding blocks Mustang-Beni road

GANDAKI: Passenger traffic on the Pokhara–Jomsom air route has surged after flooding blocked the road linking Mustang to Beni in Myagdi.

Bishwanath Sharma, head of Jomsom Airport, said the limited number of services has made it difficult to meet the increased demand. Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tara and Summit Air have increased daily rotations from five to seven to cope with the rise in travellers.

The peak tourist season and the ongoing Sohra Shraddha period, a 16-day Hindu ritual for remembering deceased ancestors, have added to passenger volumes. Pilgrims from Nepal and India are travelling to Kagbeni for the rites, officials said.

Airlines are prioritising the transport of sick and disabled passengers, with local authorities helping to facilitate their travel alongside foreign tourists. Sharma said passenger numbers should fall once the road reopens, easing pressure on air services.

Binod Singh Rawat, information officer at Pokhara International Airport, noted that most flights operate in the morning because strong afternoon winds at Jomsom limit operational flexibility.

By RSS