Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey informed the parliament that ongoing discussions with various international airlines aim to operate the Pokhara International Airport sustainably. Minister Pandey addressed queries raised by parliamentarians during the House of Representatives meeting.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Pandey revealed that a comprehensive action plan for sustainable operation of Pokhara International Airport has been approved and implemented. As part of this plan, several concessional schemes are being offered to promote international flights, which he hopes will increase the volume of flights from the airport.
Currently, Himalayan Airlines operates regular flights between Pokhara and Lhasa in China. Efforts are underway to expand international flights by holding discussions with other international airlines. Minister Pandey emphasized the need for institutional reform, particularly restructuring the Nepal Airlines Corporation to improve its management, seek strategic partnerships, and potentially convert the corporation into a company.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s focus on making mountain climbing safer and better managed. With 472 mountain peaks open for climbing, efforts to promote mountain tourism are in full swing, including the publication of a booklet by the Department of Tourism containing essential information about Nepal’s 8,000-meter peaks.
During the session, parliamentarians Surya Prasad Dhakal, Prem Suwal, and Madhav Sapkota questioned Minister Pandey regarding various aspects of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.