Nepal’s New Jumla–Surkhet Air Service Revolutionizes Travel: A Game-Changer for Residents and Visitors Across Karnali Province!

The establishment of Birendranagar in Surkhet as the capital of Karnali Province following federalisation marked a significant administrative change for the region. Previously, Jumla residents had to travel along the Karnali Highway to reach Surkhet, but air travel posed additional challenges, requiring passengers to transit through Nepalgunj in Lumbini Province before reaching the provincial capital.

However, this inconvenience has been eliminated with the introduction of direct flights between Jumla and Surkhet. Launched in July 2025, the Jumla–Surkhet air service has made travel between the two cities much more efficient, offering a direct connection that bypasses the need for transit through another province.

Direct Air Service Eases Travel for Residents

Before the launch of the new air service, passengers from Jumla wishing to travel to Surkhet were forced to take a circuitous route through Nepalgunj. This additional step not only extended travel time but also complicated logistics for people traveling for work, medical treatment, or other purposes. The introduction of direct flights has drastically simplified this process, providing a faster and more direct means of travel for Jumla residents.

Pradeep Aryal, Chief of Jumla Airport under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, confirmed that Nepal Airlinesbegan operating the Jumla–Surkhet flights in July 2025. On the very first day of operations, three passengers flew from Surkhet to Jumla, marking the beginning of regular air services. Since then, the flights have continued to operate consistently, with only occasional cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. Despite these rare cancellations, the flights have been running reliably each week.

Sunday Flights Offer Convenience for Commuters

Currently, Nepal Airlines operates flights from Nepalgunj to Jumla and Surkhet every Sunday. These flights are particularly convenient for people traveling to Surkhet for official duties, as many of the passengers are government employees or others working in Surkhet. The service has gained a strong following due to its reliability and convenience, offering an essential connection between these two important cities in Karnali Province.

Dhan Prasad Pandey, a passenger traveling to Surkhet, shared his satisfaction with the new air service. Pandey had previously been concerned about traveling due to health issues but found the direct flight to Surkhet to be a great relief. He was in Surkhet to complete documentation related to his pension, and the new service allowed him to reach the provincial capital without the added stress of transiting through Nepalgunj.

A Convenient Option for Medical Travelers

The Jumla–Surkhet flight service is also essential for people needing to travel for medical treatment. Umakanta Adhikari, Nepal Airlines Chief at Jumla, highlighted that many passengers flying to Surkhet on Sundays were traveling for medical reasons. The service is especially valuable for those who might face difficulties with long-distance travel, including differently-abled individuals and elderly passengers. Among the passengers was Dhankrishna Pandey, who, like many others, greatly benefited from the convenience of the new direct flights.

The Jumla–Surkhet flight has become a vital service for people in need of medical care, as it allows them to access health facilities in Surkhet more efficiently than before.

Discounted Fares Provide Accessibility for All

To make the service even more accessible, Nepal Airlines has introduced discounted fares for specific groups of passengers. Senior citizens, students, and differently-abled individuals are eligible for fare reductions. Senior citizens and differently-abled passengers receive a 50% discount, while students under the age of 25 and children under the age of 11 are offered a 25% discount. These fare reductions ensure that a wider demographic can afford to travel by air, particularly those who might face financial barriers.

The cost of a one-way ticket from Surkhet to Jumla is Rs. 5,180, while the fare for a Jumla–Nepalgunj flight is slightly higher at Rs. 6,876. These affordable fares, combined with the convenience of direct flights, have made travel between Jumla and Surkhet more accessible to the general public, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.

A Long-Awaited Service

Before Nepal Airlines introduced its Jumla–Surkhet flights, Sita Air had briefly operated similar services, but the service was discontinued. Since then, there had been growing demand from the local population for Nepal Airlines and other carriers to resume the route. District Coordination Committee Jumla Chief, Gaurinanda Acharya, praised the initiative, acknowledging that the new air service became a reality thanks to efforts made during the tenure of then Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma.

Acharya further emphasized that the Jumla–Surkhet flights would become even more convenient if additional airlines operated on the route and offered competitive fares. He suggested that the presence of multiple airlines could enhance the overall accessibility of the region and increase competition, driving prices down and improving service quality.

The Future of Air Travel in Karnali Province

The success of the Jumla–Surkhet air service is a promising step toward improving transportation infrastructure in Karnali Province. This service addresses a significant gap in the region’s air travel options, providing a vital connection between two key cities. The initiative has simplified travel for many, including those traveling for work, medical purposes, and personal reasons, making it a crucial development for the people of Jumla and Surkhet.

Looking ahead, it is hoped that the continued success of this service will encourage other airlines to consider operating in the region, further enhancing connectivity and access. As air travel continues to evolve in Nepal, the Jumla–Surkhet air service represents a model for how regional air routes can be expanded to meet the needs of local populations and contribute to the broader development of the country’s infrastructure.

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