Demand to run Gautam Buddha Airport at full capacity, air route deal with India still pending

Stakeholders in Rupandehi have demanded that the government run Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa at full capacity. Speaking at a seminar on Lumbini's tourism and air connectivity held in Bhairahawa on Thursday, former ambassador Bijaya Kant Karna said there is a huge gap between the airport's infrastructure capacity and its current operations.

He said the airport is under financial pressure due to the lack of regular international flights, affecting private investment, employment and the local economy. Participants said the government needs a clear policy for effective operation of the airport.

At a discussion with the private sector and tourism entrepreneurs at the Chamber of Commerce Rupandehi on Saturday, House of Representatives member Punam Kumari Agrawal said the government is engaged in internal preparations and regular flights will begin soon. She said it is necessary to move forward by dispelling the negative rumors spread about the airport.

According to officials, direct flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa to India, along with additional air routes, are a government priority for Prime Minister Balendra Shah's upcoming visit to India. Although the government has announced various fee waivers, Indian airlines have yet to start commercial flights to these two airports.