Gandaki, October 8
Passenger traffic on the Pokhara-Jomsom air route has surged following the blockage of the road connecting Mustang with Beni in Myagdi due to flooding.
Jomsom Airport chief Bishwanath Sharma said the limited number of flights has made it difficult to accommodate the increased passenger demand. Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tara Air and Summit Air have increased their flights from five to seven a day to meet the demand.
The ongoing tourist season has further contributed to the rise in air travel, particularly as tourists visit Mustang during Sohra Shraddha, also known as Pitri Paksha or Mahalaya. Sohra Shraddha is a 16-day Hindu ritual period dedicated to honouring and remembering deceased ancestors. Pilgrims from Nepal and India are also travelling to Kagbeni to perform the rituals, further increasing passenger numbers.
The airlines prioritise the transportation of sick and disabled passengers, while local authorities assist in facilitating their travel alongside foreign tourists.
Sharma said passenger traffic is expected to decline once the road is reopened, easing pressure on air services.
Binod Singh Rawat, information officer at Pokhara International Airport, said most flights are operated
