A Bangladeshi Airline company Air Astra that came in operation three years ago has sought for permission to operate flights on the Dhaka-Pokhara route. Previously Bangladeshi Operator, US Bangla had been operating from Bangladesh to Kathmandu which has been suspended for now.
The company has requested facilities including exemptions on landing, fuel, turn-over tax, landing, parking, and navigation charges for regular flights at Pokhara International Airport. The company has applied for the exemption to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture (MoCTA), Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal (MOFA).
The company has also requested for the simplification of Nepali Rupees and Bangladeshi Taka exchange rates in flight operations, and has urged cooperation from the Ministry of Finance regarding this matter. Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Buddhisagar Lamichhane, stated that they have been studying the company’s request.
“The company has sought exemptions on various issues. We need to coordinate with the relevant ministries for this. The proposal for direct flights at Pokhara International Airport is also a good opportunity for us. We will soon study it and provide feedback to the company,” said Deputy Secretary Lamichhane.
This airline has entrusted the responsibility of General Sales Agents (GSAs) to Society International Travel. The company is currently preparing to operate four commercial flights per week initially.
Astra Airlines, under which Air Astra operates, has been in operation since 2021. Air Astra is a privately owned Bangladeshi passenger airline headquartered in Dhaka and based at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport under Astra Airways Limited. It has all fleet of ATR 72-600 with total aircraft 3 in service and 7 in order.
