Air Astra Proposes Inaugural International Route to Pokhara, Seeks Fee Exemptions

Bangladesh’s Air Astra, in a significant move towards international expansion, has expressed interest in establishing a new route from Dhaka to Pokhara International, Nepal, proposing four weekly flights. This initiative marks the airline’s first venture beyond domestic borders, signaling its ambitions to tap into international markets. To facilitate this expansion, Air Astra has approached the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to secure necessary flying rights alongside a series of fee exemptions that include landing, fuel, turnover tax, parking, and navigation charges.

This development has stirred interest within aviation circles, especially considering that Air Astra’s request would position it as the exclusive operator on this promising route. With a fleet of three ATR72-600 aircrafts currently serving five destinations within Nepal, Air Astra’s potential entry into international skies starting with the Dhaka-Pokhara route could significantly enhance connectivity between Bangladesh and Nepal.

The proposition for direct flights to Pokhara International Airport is being viewed as a strategic opportunity to drive more traffic to the recently inaugurated airport, which, despite its potential, has seen limited international activity since its opening in early 2023. The existing Nepal-Bangladesh air travel market is currently served by limited flights from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, with US-Bangla Airlines having ceased its Dhaka-Pokhara-Kathmandu service.

Officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, including Deputy Secretary Buddhisagar Lamichhane, have acknowledged the proposal, highlighting the necessity for coordination with relevant ministries to proceed with the exemptions requested by Air Astra. This gesture by Air Astra not only underscores the airline’s strategic intent to broaden its horizon but also aligns with the broader objective of enhancing Pokhara International Airport’s role as a regional aviation hub.

The move by Air Astra to initiate international services is anticipated to not only benefit the airline but also contribute to increasing the international footprint of Pokhara International Airport, thereby supporting the Nepalese government’s efforts to boost tourism and economic growth through improved air connectivity.