Government to offer concessions for Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports

Kathmandu, August 15: The government plans to offer a range of concessions to enhance operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport.

A recent meeting, led by the Prime Minister and attended by concerned ministers and officials, discussed implementing these concessions based on recommendations from a working group tasked with finding ways to maximize the airports' capacities. 

Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, announced an action plan to provide concessions on air tickets, ground handling, and aviation fuel until August 2026.

 This plan aims to facilitate the airports' full operation. Minister Pandey stated that the government intends to waive service fees for ground handling until August 2026, as well as the Tourism Board's ticket fees and VAT on air tickets during this period.

The government also plans to reduce fuel costs at Bhairahawa compared to Kathmandu's prices through coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee the operation of immigration offices and visa centers at the airports.

An action plan for quarantine checks at the airports has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Minister Pandey expressed hope that these measures will lead to the airports being fully operational.

He emphasized that both airports are national pride projects and hold strategic importance for the country. Although the investment in these projects is significant, their current underutilization is causing difficulties in repaying construction loans.

 The government is working in a coordinated effort across various agencies to resolve these issues and ensure the airports operate at full capacity.