Kathmandu. Adrian Lukas, Vice President of Aviation Safety of Fly Dubai, had a meeting with Pokhara Metropolis Mayor Dhanraj Acharya on Tuesday.

Matters of bilateral interest including operation of international flights from Pokhara International Airport, exploring the possibilities of tourism promotion between Dubai and Pokhara and safety protocols to be maintained in course of air flights were discussed during the meeting. During the meeting, Lukas, who has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation sector, said that he was interested to operate flights to Pokhara International Airport as well.

Lukaj, who has expertise in aviation safety, risk management and airline operation, said it would be great for Pokhara and tourism in the region if Flydubai connects Pokhara with direct flights.

Lukas, who oversees security strategies to ensure airports comply with international and local aviation safety standards, said he was impressed by the beauty of Pokhara. On the occasion, Mayor Acharya said that the municipality has been continuously taking initiatives for the operation of regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport and requested the company to take special initiative for the operation of direct flights in the tourism exchange between the two countries.

“I have been in constant dialogue with the Government of Nepal and the airport is capable of operating international flights at special times,” he said.

“The possibility of international flights from Pokhara has been proved by the charter flights held at different times. Since Pokhara is the capital of tourism, international flights are necessary to promote it in the international market. We have emphasized on that. Mayor Acharya said, “Today’s meeting has increased the confidence that it will help operate Pokhara International Airport in full capacity.” ’

KMC chief administrative officer Muktiram Aryal, VNY coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai and others were present on the occasion. The Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed with the assistance of China with the investment of over Rs 22 billion, has not yet started from Pokhara International Airport. The airport is limited to domestic flights only.