Buddha Air Resumes Nepalgunj-Pokhara Flights from September 2026: What Travelers Need to Know
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Buddha Air announced it will resume direct Nepalgunj–Pokhara flights from Bhadra 31 (approximately September 16, 2026), restoring a key domestic air link that connects western Nepal’s gateway to the Annapurna trekking hub. The route had been suspended for an extended period, forcing travelers to detour through Kathmandu or endure long overland journeys.
Quick Answer: Nepalgunj-Pokhara Flights Resume September 2026
As reported by Online Khabar on August 20, 2026, Buddha Air — Nepal’s largest domestic carrier by passenger volume — will restart regular service between Nepalgunj Airport (KEP) and Pokhara International Airport (PHH) beginning the last week of Bhadra, with the first flight scheduled for Bhadra 31. This directly reconnects two of Nepal’s most important tourism regions: the western Terai (gateway to Bardia National Park and Lumbini) and the lakeside city of Pokhara (launch point for the Annapurna trekking region).
Source: Online Khabar, August 20, 2026 (reporting from Nepalgunj)
Why the Nepalgunj-Pokhara Route Matters for Travelers
The Nepalgunj–Pokhara air corridor is more than a convenience — it is a strategic link in Nepal’s domestic tourism network. Here is why its resumption is significant:
1. Cuts Travel Time Dramatically
By road, the Nepalgunj–Pokhara journey takes approximately 8–10 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and the route taken (typically via Butwal and the Siddhartha Highway). A direct flight reduces this to roughly 45–60 minutes, saving an entire day of travel. For tourists on tight itineraries, this is the difference between fitting in an extra trekking day or not.
2. Connects Two Major Tourism Hubs
Nepalgunj is the primary gateway to Bardia National Park, one of Nepal’s premier wildlife destinations, and is also the closest major airport to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pokhara, meanwhile, is the launching point for the Annapurna trekking region — including the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill. A direct flight between these two cities means travelers can combine a wildlife safari in Bardia with a Himalayan trek in the Annapurnas without backtracking through Kathmandu.
3. Reduces Dependence on Kathmandu
For years, Nepal’s domestic aviation network has been heavily hub-and-spoke through Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A traveler wanting to go from Nepalgunj to Pokhara had to fly Nepalgunj→Kathmandu→Pokhara, often with a long layover, turning a 200-km straight-line journey into a full-day odyssey. Direct point-to-point service between secondary cities is exactly the kind of network development Nepal’s tourism sector needs to decentralize visitor flows and reduce congestion at Kathmandu’s single-runway airport.
Nepalgunj Airport: Key Facts for Travelers
Nepalgunj Airport (IATA: KEP, ICAO: VNNG) has been in operation since 1961 and is Nepal’s fourth-largest airport by land area. It handles the second-highest number of aircraft and passenger movements among Nepal’s domestic airports. Key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | KEP |
| ICAO Code | VNNG |
| Elevation | 540 ft (165 m) above sea level |
| Runway | 08/26, asphalt, 1,700 m × 30 m |
| Opened | 1961 |
| Future Plans | Upgrade to international airport with new terminal, customs, and extended runway |
Source: Wikipedia — Nepalgunj Airport, based on Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal data.
There are long-standing plans by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to upgrade Nepalgunj Airport to international status, with immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities. Buddha Air has previously expressed interest in launching direct flights to Delhi from Nepalgunj once the upgrade is complete.
Pokhara International Airport: Nepal’s Newest Aviation Hub
Pokhara International Airport (IATA: PHH, ICAO: VNPR) officially began operations on January 1, 2023, making it Nepal’s third international airport. Located at Chhinedanda, 3 km east of the old Pokhara domestic airport, it handles both domestic and international flights (though scheduled international services have not yet materialized as of 2026). Most domestic flights, including the upcoming Nepalgunj route, now operate from this modern facility.
Key facts about Pokhara International Airport:
- Opened: January 1, 2023
- Construction cost: Approximately US$216 million (funded by China’s Exim Bank, Asian Development Bank, and OPEC Fund)
- Status as of 2026: Primarily handles domestic flights; chartered international flights occasionally; no regular scheduled international services
- STOL operations (Short Takeoff and Landing) to Jomsom still operate from the old Pokhara Airport
The airport’s construction, which began in April 2016, was a decades-long dream — the idea was first proposed in 1971. Despite delays caused by terrain challenges (the nearby Rithepani Hill had to be flattened for aircraft approach) and the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport now serves as a critical hub for domestic connectivity to and from Pokhara.
About Buddha Air: Nepal’s Largest Domestic Carrier
Buddha Air, headquartered in Lalitpur, was established on April 23, 1996, and began operations on October 11, 1997, with a sightseeing flight to Mount Everest using a Beechcraft 1900D. Today, it is Nepal’s largest domestic carrier by passengers carried. The airline operates a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft — well-suited for Nepal’s short-runway domestic airports and mountainous terrain.
In July 2026, Buddha Air acquired a 70-seater ATR 72-600, the first of its kind in Nepal, signaling the airline’s continued investment in modernizing its fleet. The airline also operates international flights to Varanasi and Kolkata in India.
What This Means for Trekking and Wildlife Itineraries
The resumption of Nepalgunj–Pokhara flights opens up several itinerary combinations that were previously impractical:
Wildlife + Trekking Combo
Travelers can now fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, spend 2–3 days on safari in Bardia National Park (known for its tiger population and relative solitude compared to Chitwan), then fly directly to Pokhara to begin an Annapurna trek — all without returning to Kathmandu. This creates a seamless west-to-central Nepal tourism circuit.
Lumbini + Annapurna Spiritual-Adventure Route
Lumbini is approximately a 3-hour drive from Nepalgunj. Pilgrims and cultural travelers visiting the Buddha’s birthplace can now continue directly to Pokhara by air, connecting the spiritual heartland of Lumbini with the adventure capital of Pokhara in under an hour of flight time.
Bypassing Kathmandu Congestion
During peak tourist seasons (October–November and March–April), Kathmandu’s domestic terminal experiences significant congestion and flight delays. The direct Nepalgunj–Pokhara route gives travelers a legitimate alternative to routing through the capital, reducing both travel time and the risk of weather-related cancellations that plague Kathmandu–Lukla and Kathmandu–Pokhara sectors during monsoon and winter fog.
Practical Information for Travelers
When Will Flights Start?
According to the Online Khabar report, Buddha Air will commence Nepalgunj–Pokhara service from Bhadra 31 in the Nepali calendar, which corresponds to approximately September 16, 2026. The service will operate in the last week of Bhadra and continue as a regular route.
Note: As of this article’s publication date (August 20, 2026), specific flight schedules, frequencies (daily vs. select days), and ticket prices have not yet been publicly announced. Travelers should check Buddha Air’s official website or contact authorized travel agents for booking details closer to the launch date.
Expected Flight Duration
Based on Buddha Air’s ATR 72/42 aircraft performance and the straight-line distance of approximately 200 km between Nepalgunj and Pokhara, the flight is expected to take 45–60 minutes. This is consistent with other Buddha Air domestic routes of similar distance.
Connecting Flights and Overland Options
From Pokhara, travelers can connect to:
- Jomsom — STOL flights from the old Pokhara Airport (for Upper Mustang and Muktinath)
- Lukla — via Ramechhap/Manthali (for Everest Base Camp trek), though this requires traveling to Manthali first
- Kathmandu — multiple daily flights on Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines
From Nepalgunj, travelers can connect to:
- Kathmandu — multiple daily domestic flights
- Bardia National Park — approximately 2-hour drive from Nepalgunj
- Lumbini — approximately 3-hour drive (or shorter flight to Bhairahawa/Siddharthanagar Airport)
Other Domestic Flight Routes to Watch in 2026
The Nepalgunj–Pokhara resumption is part of a broader trend of Nepal expanding its domestic aviation network. Other developments worth monitoring:
- Pokhara International Airport’s international status: Despite opening in 2023, the airport has yet to secure regular scheduled international flights. Nepal continues to negotiate with international carriers.
- Nepalgunj Airport upgrade: Plans to upgrade to international status with extended runway and customs facilities could eventually enable direct cross-border flights to India.
- Fleet modernization: Buddha Air’s July 2026 acquisition of the ATR 72-600 — the first in Nepal — suggests the airline is investing in newer, more efficient aircraft that can serve longer domestic routes with better passenger comfort.
For a comprehensive overview of all flight options into and around Nepal, see our guide on how to get to Nepal in 2026, which covers international flights, domestic connections, and overland border crossings.
Key Takeaways
| Factor | Summary |
|---|---|
| Route | Nepalgunj (KEP) ↔ Pokhara (PHH) |
| Airline | Buddha Air |
| Start Date | Bhadra 31 (~September 16, 2026) |
| Flight Time | ~45–60 minutes (estimated) |
| Aircraft | ATR 42 / ATR 72 turboprop |
| Saves vs. Road | ~8–10 hours of overland travel |
| Key Benefit | Connects Bardia/Lumbini with Annapurna without Kathmandu detour |
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly do Nepalgunj-Pokhara flights resume?
Buddha Air announced that flights will resume from Bhadra 31 in the Nepali calendar, which falls around September 16, 2026. This was reported by Online Khabar on August 20, 2026. Travelers should confirm exact dates and schedules with Buddha Air closer to the launch.
How long is the flight from Nepalgunj to Pokhara?
The flight is expected to take approximately 45–60 minutes, compared to 8–10 hours by road. Buddha Air’s ATR turboprop aircraft are well-suited for this domestic route.
How much will Nepalgunj-Pokhara flight tickets cost?
Specific fares have not yet been announced as of August 20, 2026. Based on comparable Buddha Air domestic routes in Nepal, fares typically range from NPR 4,000–7,000 (approximately USD 30–55) one-way, but travelers should check with the airline for official pricing.
Can I connect from Nepalgunj to trekking in the Annapurnas?
Yes. Pokhara is the primary gateway to the Annapurna trekking region. From Pokhara, you can travel by road to trailheads for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal trek, and Poon Hill trek. See our complete Annapurna region trekking guide for route details.
Is Nepalgunj Airport safe for domestic flights?
Nepalgunj Airport has been in operation since 1961 and is one of Nepal’s busiest domestic airports. It has an asphalt runway of 1,700 meters, suitable for ATR turboprop aircraft. Buddha Air, the operator, is Nepal’s largest domestic carrier with a modern fleet of ATR aircraft.
Can I visit Bardia National Park from Nepalgunj?
Yes. Bardia National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Nepalgunj Airport. It is one of Nepal’s best wildlife destinations, known for its tiger population and less crowded experience compared to Chitwan. With the new direct flight to Pokhara, you can combine a Bardia safari with Annapurna trekking in a single trip.
What happens if my Nepalgunj-Pokhara flight is cancelled?
As with all domestic flights in Nepal, cancellations can occur due to weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season (June–September). Travelers should build buffer days into their itineraries and consider travel insurance that covers flight cancellations. The overland route via Siddhartha Highway remains a backup option.
Does Pokhara International Airport handle all domestic flights now?
Most domestic flights have shifted to Pokhara International Airport (PHH), which opened in 2023. However, STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) operations to Jomsom still operate from the old Pokhara Airport. The new Nepalgunj–Pokhara route will use Pokhara International Airport.
Planning Your Trip
If you are planning a Nepal trip that combines wildlife and trekking, the Nepalgunj–Pokhara flight resumption makes the following itinerary increasingly viable:
- Day 1: Fly Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (existing daily flights)
- Days 2–4: Bardia National Park — jungle safari, tiger tracking, Tharu village visit
- Day 5: Drive Nepalgunj → Lumbini (optional 1–2 day cultural stop)
- Day 6: Return to Nepalgunj, fly Nepalgunj → Pokhara (new direct route)
- Days 7–14: Annapurna trekking — choose from ABC, Circuit, Mardi Himal, or Poon Hill
- Day 15: Fly Pokhara → Kathmandu for international departure
This itinerary would have required an extra 1–2 days of overland travel or a Kathmandu detour before the direct flight resumes. For the best trekking weather, plan this circuit during the best time to visit Nepal — October through November (post-monsoon clear skies) or March through April (spring wildflowers and moderate temperatures).
For travelers heading to Pokhara specifically, our comprehensive Pokhara travel guide covers everything from lakeside accommodation to viewpoint hikes and paragliding options.
Bottom Line
The resumption of Buddha Air’s Nepalgunj–Pokhara route is a welcome development for Nepal tourism, filling a critical gap in the domestic aviation network. It directly benefits travelers seeking to combine the wildlife of western Nepal (Bardia, Banke) and the spiritual heritage of Lumbini with the trekking adventures of the Annapurna region — all while bypassing the congestion of Kathmandu. With flights expected to begin around September 16, 2026, the timing aligns well with the autumn trekking season, Nepal’s busiest and most scenic period for Himalayan adventure.
This article is based on reporting by Online Khabar (August 20, 2026) and supplemented by factual background from Wikipedia (Nepalgunj Airport, Pokhara International Airport, Buddha Air) and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal data. Flight schedules, fares, and specific operational details should be confirmed directly with Buddha Air before booking.
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