Pokhara-Jomsom Flights Halted for Three Months

Private airlines have officially suspended flight operations between Pokhara and Jomsom for the winter season. The decision follows a significant drop in travelers and increasingly difficult flying conditions in the Mustang region.

Weather and Low Demand Drive Suspension

Deepak Pokharel, chief of the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office, confirmed that Summit Air and Tara Air—the two primary carriers for the route—have paused regular flights. The move is a response to the winter “off-season,” characterized by unpredictable weather, potential heavy snowfall, and high winds that frequently disrupt flight schedules.

According to airline officials:

• Tara Air has suspended its service from December 24 until March 1.
• Summit Air has announced a halt to regular flights for a period of two months.

Emergency Services Remain Open

While scheduled commercial flights are unavailable, the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office noted that the skies are not completely closed. Chartered flights and emergency helicopter services will continue to operate to ensure that residents and pilgrims have access to transport during medical or urgent situations.

Road Competition Impacts Air Travel

Beyond the weather, officials noted that the improvement of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road has changed how people visit Mustang. As the road conditions get better, more travelers are opting for vehicles over planes, contributing to the decline in airline passenger numbers.

Regular air service is expected to resume in March as the spring trekking season begins. JOMSOM – Private airlines have officially suspended flight operations between Pokhara and Jomsom for the winter season. The decision follows a significant drop in travelers and increasingly difficult flying conditions in the Mustang region.

Weather and Low Demand Drive Suspension

Deepak Pokharel, chief of the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office, confirmed that Summit Air and Tara Air—the two primary carriers for the route—have paused regular flights. The move is a response to the winter “off-season,” characterized by unpredictable weather, potential heavy snowfall, and high winds that frequently disrupt flight schedules.

According to airline officials:

• Tara Air has suspended its service from December 24 until March 1.
• Summit Air has announced a halt to regular flights for a period of two months.

Emergency Services Remain Open

While scheduled commercial flights are unavailable, the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office noted that the skies are not completely closed. Chartered flights and emergency helicopter services will continue to operate to ensure that residents and pilgrims have access to transport during medical or urgent situations.

Road Competition Impacts Air Travel

Beyond the weather, officials noted that the improvement of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road has changed how people visit Mustang. As the road conditions get better, more travelers are opting for vehicles over planes, contributing to the decline in airline passenger numbers.

Regular air service is expected to resume in March as the spring trekking season begins.