KATHMANDU, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Himalaya Airlines on Monday started the first-ever direct commercial flights between Lhasa and Pokhara, the capital of China's Xizang Autonomous Region and Nepal's popular tourist attraction and second-largest city.

The inaugural flight landed at Pokhara International Airport with 107 passengers aboard, and the return flight is scheduled to take off on Tuesday morning.

The dreams of Pokhara people for an international airport and the operation of international commercial flights from the airport have been fulfilled with the help of China, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song told a press meeting at the airport.

Sichuan Airlines of China launched its first international flight to Pokhara under regular commercial charter flights on March 18.

"This reflects China's firm actions and highlights its high regard for China-Nepal friendship and the development needs of Nepal," Chen said.

"My special regard to everyone who has contributed in establishing Pokhara as a tourist destination on this special day," said Arun Kumar Chaudhary, Nepal's state minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation.

A China-Nepal joint venture based in Kathmandu, Himalaya Airlines has been operating direct flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa and between Kathmandu and southwest China's Chongqing.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Nepal, as well as the Nepal Visit Year in China. Enditem

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