The Jomsom-Pokhara flight service, a vital transportation link for the Mustang region, has resumed operations after a weather-induced service suspension of approximately three months.
Flights between Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, and the popular tourist destination of Jomsom have ceased since November 2023 due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, with improved weather and the start of the tourism season, airlines are back in action.
Summit Airlines, which had halted flights on December 6th of last year, recommenced operations on March 1st. Tara Airlines is also preparing to resume its Jomsom-Pokhara service after a suspension since November 26th.
“With the improvement in weather conditions and the onset of the tourist-friendly season, the Pokhara-Jomsom flight service has been reinstated,” said Hiron Shah, Chief of Jomsom Airport. He confirmed that Summit Airlines successfully conducted two flights on Friday.
The resumption of air service is welcomed by locals, pilgrims, and tourists alike, especially since road access via the Beni-Jomsom stretch in the Myagdi section is currently under construction. The return of the flights is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Mustang district.
Mustang attracted around 91,000 foreign tourists in 2023, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Rajkumar Thapa, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, reports increasing vehicular movement towards Mustang via the Beni-Jomsom road in recent days, further bolstering travel to this region.
