Have you ever been puzzled by those mysterious three-letter codes when booking flights or checking air cargo information? Today, we explore the three-letter code PKR assigned to Pokhara Airport in Nepal, offering insights into this key aviation gateway in the Gandaki Zone.
What Are Three-Letter Airport Codes?
In aviation, each airport is assigned a unique three-letter code by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These codes function like an airport's ID, enabling airlines, cargo handlers, and travelers to quickly identify and locate airports. For example, Beijing Capital International Airport's code is PEK, while Shanghai Pudong International Airport uses PVG.
Pokhara Airport (PKR): Key Details
- IATA Code: PKR
- Airport Name: Pokhara Airport
- City: Pokhara
- Region: Gandaki Zone
- Country: Nepal (NP)
- Time Zone: UTC+05:45 (5 hours 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time)
- Continent: Asia
- Airport Type: Non-customs airport (domestic flights only)
Pokhara Airport: Beyond Tourism
Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, is renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan views and serene Phewa Lake. Pokhara Airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting the city to Kathmandu and other major hubs, facilitating travel for trekkers heading to the Annapurna region. While PKR currently operates as a non-customs airport—meaning it doesn't handle international cargo—it plays a vital role in Nepal's domestic air network. As Nepal's economy grows, PKR may eventually upgrade to a customs airport, enabling international cargo operations.
What Does "Non-Customs Airport" Mean?
A non-customs airport lacks authorization to process international imports or exports. All international cargo entering or exiting Nepal must clear customs at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
The Importance of Time Zones in Aviation
Accurate time zone information is critical for international trade and air transport. Pokhara Airport operates on UTC+05:45, meaning it is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This time difference must be factored into flight scheduling, cargo transit calculations, and communications with local partners.
Banking Hours and Customs Procedures
Banks at Pokhara Airport are closed on Saturdays but operate on Sundays. While PKR doesn't handle customs clearance directly, understanding Nepal's customs processes is essential for businesses engaged in trade with the country. Standard procedures include submitting required documents (e.g., invoices, packing lists, bills of lading), paying duties and taxes, and undergoing customs inspections.
How to Find an Airport's Three-Letter Code
Beyond memorization, online tools make it easy to search for airport codes. Simply enter the airport name, city, or country to retrieve the corresponding code.
Additional Uses of Three-Letter Codes
Beyond flight bookings and cargo logistics, these codes are widely used in:
- Flight schedules: Airlines use codes to denote departure and arrival airports.
- Baggage tags: Luggage tags display destination airport codes for efficient sorting.
- Air cargo documentation: Shipping documents specify origin and destination airport codes.
- Aviation analytics: Airlines and airports analyze data using these codes to track flight volumes and passenger traffic.
Understanding airport codes enhances your grasp of aviation logistics, whether for travel or business. The next time you encounter PKR, remember it represents the scenic Pokhara Airport in the heart of Nepal.