Air Astra Seeks Approval for International Flights to Nepal
Air Astra, a privately owned airline based in Bangladesh, is eyeing international expansion with plans to operate flights between Dhaka and Pokhara International Airport in Nepal. The airline has submitted a request to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), seeking permission to operate four weekly flights on this route.
In addition to requesting flying rights, Air Astra has also applied for a range of fee exemptions, including waivers on landing fees, fuel charges, turn-over tax, parking fees, and navigation charges. If granted approval, Air Astra will become the sole operator on the Dhaka-Pokhara route, marking its inaugural international service.
Buddhisagar Lamichhane, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry, commented on the airline’s proposal, stating, “The company has sought exemptions on various issues. We need to coordinate with the relevant ministries for this. The proposal for direct flights at Pokhara International Airport is also a good opportunity for us.”
At present, the Nepal-Bangladesh route is served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, each operating one weekly flight. US-Bangla Airlines had briefly operated flights to Pokhara International Airport as part of its Dhaka-Pokhara-Kathmandu route, but this service has since been discontinued. Despite its recent inauguration in early 2023, Pokhara International Airport has struggled to attract international traffic. However, Nepalese authorities are keen to enhance connectivity and increase flights to and from the airport.
Despite its recent inauguration in early 2023, Pokhara International Airport has struggled to attract international traffic. However, Nepalese authorities are keen to enhance connectivity and increase flights to and from the airport, aiming to boost tourism and facilitate easier travel between the countries.
Air Astra, which currently operates a fleet of three ATR72-600 aircraft serving five airports within Nepal, aims to capitalize on the growing demand for international travel and contribute to the development of air connectivity between Bangladesh and Nepal. As the airline awaits regulatory approval, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the potential expansion of flight options between the two countries.
At present, the Nepal-Bangladesh route is served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, each operating one weekly flight. US-Bangla Airlines had briefly operated flights to Pokhara International Airport as part of its Dhaka-Pokhara-Kathmandu route, but this service has since been discontinued.
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