Jomsom Airport

Nestled at an elevation of approximately 2,736 m (8,976 ft) in the Kali Gandaki Valley, Jomsom Airport is your gateway to the Mustang region and divine Himalayan vistas. Surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it offers breathtaking mountain views—a perfect start for treks like Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, and visits to Muktinath Temple

While small in scale, its strategic location makes it vital: serving local communities, pilgrimage travelers, and adventure tourists alike

🏗️ Airport Overview

• Official Name: Jomsom Airport

• Location: Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, Mustang District, Gandaki Province, Nepal

• Runway: Single runway 06/24, 739 m long, asphalt surface

• Elevation: ~2,736 m (8,976 ft) above sea level

• Built/Opened: March 1976

• Airport Type: Public, domestic

• IATA Code: JMO

• ICAO Code: VNJS

• Operator: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal

🛫 Company / Airport History

Established in the mid-1970s, Jomsom Airport was built to link remote Mustang communities with the rest of Nepal. Essential for moving goods, medical aid, and enabling tourism in this otherwise inaccessible region .

🛬 Flights & Flight Routes

• Main route: Pokhara ↔ Jomsom (approx. 20–25 min flight time)

• Operators: Tara Air and Summit Air primarily serve this route, offering scheduled and charter flights

🏔️ Operational Challenges

• Short Runway + High Altitude: Requires experienced pilots and STOL aircraft like DHC‑6 Twin Otter and Dornier 228

• Mountain Winds: Strong valley winds typically pick up around noon, so most flights operate between 6 AM and 11 AM under Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

• Weather Delays: Cloud cover and sudden changes are common, leading to cancellations

• Incident History: Notable safety incidents include the Tara Air crash in May 2022 and previous accidents in 2013 and 2012

❓ SEO‑Optimized FAQs

1. What is Jomsom Airport's IATA and ICAO codes?
   IATA: JMO, ICAO: VNJS.

2. What elevation is Jomsom Airport at?
   It’s situated at about 2,736 m (8,976 ft) above sea level.

3. What aircraft serve Jomsom?
   Only STOL‑capable aircraft such as the DHC‑6 Twin Otter and Dornier 228.

4. Why are Jomsom Airport flight schedules so early?
   Because valley winds build around mid‑day, flights are mostly scheduled in the early morning (6 AM–11 AM) during calmer conditions

✈️ Jomsom Airport Flight Schedule (Seasonal Typical) Time Slot Flight Activity 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Most departures/arrivals 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Limited, if weather stays stable After 11:00 AM Generally no flights—winds too strong 💼 Booking & Travel Tips

• Book early in the season (October–November or March–April), especially if trekking around Jomsom or to Muktinath.

• Allow flexibility: Weather often causes same‑day cancellations—plan buffer time.

• Morning flights only: Confirm departure between 6–9 AM.

• Pack light and strategic: Pilots may restrict baggage depending on load and conditions.

🧭 Summary

Although small, Jomsom Airport (JMO/VNJS) plays an outsized role as the aerial gateway to Mustang and the Himalayas. Serving as the critical hub for locals, pilgrims, and trekkers alike, it combines dramatic mountain scenery with flight operations that demand precision. With only early morning flights due to terrain winds, it remains legendary among adventurous travelers. Whether you’re heading into the Annapurna Circuit, Muktinath, or Upper Mustang, Jomsom Airport flights in Nepal provide the most scenic—and time-saving—entry point into this high Himalayan realm.