New Strategy Launched to Boost Operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport

Rupandehi. A new strategy has been introduced to expand flight operations and attract international airlines with the goal of bringing Gautam Buddha International Airport to full operational capacity. Airport management has announced preparations to significantly increase the number of international flights starting from the upcoming winter schedule.

According to Airport General Manager Shyam Kishore Sah, special initiatives are underway to organize and regularize international flights, which are currently operating on a limited basis. "We are coordinating with airlines with the goal of increasing flight frequency starting from the summer schedule," he said.

So far, services have been provided targeting Buddhist pilgrims through Thai AirAsia flights. The airport administration stated that preparations are being made to further expand these flights, which were operated twice a week in the last winter schedule, in the coming season. It is expected that expanding flights connecting the Lumbini-Gaya Buddhist circuit will help promote religious tourism.

General Manager Sah mentioned that a 'Fifth Freedom' flight concept has been proposed for the effective utilization of the airport. Under this arrangement, foreign airlines could use Bhairahawa as a transit point to operate flights to third countries. For example, he noted the possibility of airlines like Qatar Airways operating on a Doha-Bhairahawa-third country route and returning via the same path.

In this regard, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has stated that necessary policy and technical preparations are moving forward. General Manager Sah expressed hope that the government will soon make the necessary decisions. "Even now, Qatar Airways is operating from other countries rather than Qatar; we are preparing for Qatar Airways to operate from Bhairahawa in accordance with the 'Fifth Freedom'," he said, adding, "We are confident that the Council of Ministers will make a decision on this matter soon."

As part of another important plan to increase flight numbers, General Manager Sah informed that preparations are being made to base one Nepal Airlines aircraft in Bhairahawa. He expressed confidence that this would help make international flight operations from here regular and reliable.

Member of the House of Representatives from Rupandehi Constituency No. 4, Kanhaiya Baniya, stated that Nepal Airlines will begin basing its flights in Bhairahawa within a few days. Currently, various charter flights are being operated to facilitate the movement of Nepali citizens working abroad.

General Manager Sah informed that Kuwait Airways is bringing Nepalis home through Kuwait City-Bhairahawa flights, and flight permission processes are also underway from Dammam, Saudi Arabia. According to him, equal priority will be given to both charter and regular flights. "We are committed to continuing both charter and regular flights, and regular flights will be further strengthened soon," he said.

It is believed that this initiative will facilitate religious tourism centered on Lumbini as well as provide convenience for Nepali citizens going for foreign employment. Stakeholders expect that if the airport can be brought to full capacity, it will increase regional economic activities and have a positive impact on the overall tourism industry.