Gandaki, Oct. 8: Passenger traffic on the Pokhara-Jomsom air route has increased significantly after floods disrupted the road link between Beni of Myagdi and Mustang.

With road transportation suspended, an increasing number of passengers are relying on air services to travel to and from Mustang. However, the limited number of available flights has made it difficult for airlines to meet the growing demand.

According to Jomsom Airport Chief Bishwanath Sharma, Tara Air and Summit Air have increased their daily flights from five to seven using Twin Otter aircraft to accommodate the surge in passengers.

The ongoing tourist season has further contributed to the rise in air traffic. Mustang has been attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors, while the Sohra Shraddha (Pitri Paksha/Mahalaya) period has also increased passenger movement toward the region.

During the 16-day Hindu ritual period dedicated to remembering and honouring deceased ancestors, pilgrims from Nepal and India travel to Kagbeni to perform religious rites, adding to the demand for flights.

Airlines have been giving priority to sick and differently abled passengers, while local authorities are helping facilitate their travel. Foreign tourists travelling to Mustang are also among those using the air route.

Sharma said passenger pressure is expected to ease once the flood-damaged road connecting Mustang with the national road network is reopened.

Meanwhile, Binod Singh Rawat, information officer at Pokhara International Airport, said most flights to Jomsom are being operated in the morning because strong winds typically develop at the airport in the afternoon.

The afternoon winds limit flight operations and reduce airlines’ flexibility in adding additional services, further complicating efforts to accommodate the current passenger rush.