International flights to resume at Gautam Buddha Airport after long hiatus

Rupandehi, October 14 — More than three international airlines are set to operate flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, which is the second international airport in the country.

Following the completion of construction, Gautam Buddha International Airport has been unable to host commercial international flights for a long time. However, international airlines are now preparing to begin operations.

According to the airport's General Manager, Pratap Babu Tiwari, Kuwait's Jazeera Airways, Dubai's national carrier Fly Dubai, and Thailand's Thai AirAsia are planning to operate flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport. All three airlines have already received flight approval from the regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The airport has confirmed that flight schedules have been prepared accordingly.

Fly Dubai will commence regular flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport starting from November 10. This will be the airline's first flight at the airport, operating daily services between Dubai-Bhairahwa and Bhairahwa-Kathmandu-Dubai.

Tiwari stated that Fly Dubai's aircraft will arrive in Bhairahwa from Dubai at 1:45 PM and depart for Dubai via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at 3:30 PM. Meanwhile, a technical team from Fly Dubai has visited the airport to familiarize themselves with the service facilities, and preparations are underway.

Jazeera Airways is also set to resume flights from November 1 after previously halting operations for ten months. The airline will operate three flights a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, arriving in Bhairahwa at 7:30 AM and departing for Kuwait at 8:30 AM.

Despite the airport's inauguration two years ago on May 16, 2022, Jazeera had suspended flights due to various issues. However, they have now announced the resumption of regular flights.

Thai AirAsia is also planning to begin operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport soon. A technical team from the airline recently visited the airport to assess operational aspects. While no specific date for their flights has been confirmed, Thai AirAsia is expected to start services following their recent commencement of direct flights to Nepal.

The CEO of Thai AirAsia, Santisuk Klongchaiya, expressed confidence that the flights would play a vital role in enhancing not just air connectivity but also cultural and people-to-people relations between Thailand and Nepal. 

General Manager Tiwari emphasized that international flight operations at Gautam Buddha Airport are in line with the government’s plan to fully operationalize two international airports, including Pokhara International Airport. The airport has ensured that all necessary arrangements, including immigration, customs, and security, are in place.

Immigration Officer Bishnu Prasad Dhungana stated that preparations are underway to facilitate the flights of Jazeera Airways and Fly Dubai. The airport is equipped with 21 passenger service counters and has made various technical arrangements.

The government has been actively working to ensure the effective operation of both international airports as part of its national pride projects. It plans to offer attractive packages to airlines to encourage operations at these airports, which have not had regular international flights despite being completed for some time.

Following a cabinet meeting on July 12, the government approved a comprehensive plan for the improvement of the civil aviation sector, including operations at both Gautam Buddha and Pokhara international airports. The plan includes provisions for fuel discounts and ticket subsidies, with a collaborative approach involving multiple ministries and stakeholders.

After 74 years of operation at Tribhuvan International Airport, the country is witnessing the launch of a new international airport in Bhairahwa, which initially opened as an internal airport on July 4, 1958, before being expanded into an international facility.