However, Nepal discreetly rejected the notion that the Pokhara airport was a part of the initiative. China CAMC Engineering, the construction division of state-owned conglomerate Sinomach, played a pivotal role in the Pokhara airport project. CAMC and IPPR remained unresponsive to inquiries and requests for comments about their involvement in the Pokhara airport project. The opening of the Pokhara airport in January 2023 was marred by geopolitical tensions. As Pokhara airport struggled to attract international flights, especially from Indian airlines, Nepal's aspirations for the airport were put in jeopardy.

Source: International New York Times October 17, 2023 15:00 UTC