KATHMANDU: A Sichuan Airlines chartered flight made a smooth landing at Pokhara International Airport, carrying 126 passengers from Chengdu. The Chinese team aboard the flight has arrived in advance of the Second International Dragon Boat Race, which will take place at Fewa Lake on December 29 and 30, 2024, as part of the celebrations for New Year 2025.
The Dragon Boat Race is being organized in collaboration with Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Dragon Boat Association, and the Chinese Embassy. The first Dragon Boat Festival was successfully held in Nepal in 2023 by China. This celebration is an important part of the culture.
Pokhara International Airport will celebrate a significant milestone at the race event, marking two years since it opened on January 1, 2025 (the 17th of Push in Nepali calendar). Although chartered planes have been operating sporadically, the airport has yet to see regular foreign flights despite this milestone, which raises hopes for further international connectivity.
The flight operated by Sichuan Airlines is the third of its kind to touch down at Pokhara International Airport. Three more international flights and seven chartered flights from airlines in China, Bhutan, and India had already reached the airport before this.
The airport staff maintains its positive outlook regarding foreign travel from Pokhara, pointing out that further chartered flights could increase tourist and economic activity in the area. These chartered flights' arrival points to a positive beginning for regular international air operations.
Pokhara will host a culturally significant event that will enhance relations with China and boost local tourism as the Dragon Boat Race draws near. A promising future for international aviation in the area is shown by the increasing interest from around the world in the event and the airport.
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