The future of Nepal’s Pokhara International Airport, which received substantial funding from China, appears uncertain. An investigative report from The New York Times has unveiled the airport’s limited usage, primarily serving chartered Chinese flights, with minimal international operations.
China CAMC Engineering oversaw the project, prioritizing financial gain and safeguarding its interests, leading Nepal into debt without the anticipated passenger traffic to repay the loans. Despite its official opening, the Nepali government rejected any association between the airport and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Much like Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, this airport could become another financial burden for Nepal.
