International airlines set to begin flights at Gautam Buddha International Airport

KATHMANDU: After a prolonged period of inactivity, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa is set to welcome regular international flights, with more than three major airlines receiving clearance to operate.

According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, General Manager of the airport, airlines such as Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways, Dubai’s Flydubai, and Thailand’s Thai AirAsia have all obtained flight permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. This development comes after years of delays following the airport’s inauguration.

Flydubai will be the first to begin operations, with daily flights between Dubai-Bhairahawa and Bhairahawa-Kathmandu starting from November 9, 2024. This marks Flydubai’s inaugural flight to the airport. The flight schedule, approved by the regulatory authority, indicates Flydubai’s aircraft will land at Bhairahawa at 1:45 PM and depart for Dubai via Kathmandu at 3:30 PM.

Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways, which had previously suspended operations at the airport after 10 months of service, will resume flights starting on October 28, 2024. The airline will operate flights three days a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—arriving in Bhairahawa at 7:30 AM and departing for Kuwait at 8:30 AM. Jazeera initially began services at Gautam Buddha International Airport on May 16, 2022, shortly after its inauguration, but suspended operations due to technical issues.

Thai AirAsia, which operates flights to several key destinations across Asia with a fleet of 60 aircraft, has also expressed interest in launching flights at Bhairahawa. Though the exact date for its operations is yet to be finalized, the airline’s technical team recently inspected the airport to assess its facilities.

This surge in international flights follows government efforts to fully operationalize the country’s second international airport. General Manager Tiwari highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the airport’s growth, stating that steps have been taken to create a conducive environment for international flights since he assumed responsibility for the airport.

Despite its inauguration more than two years ago, the airport had struggled to attract consistent international traffic, leading to frustration within Nepal’s private sector. The resumption of Jazeera Airways flights and the launch of Flydubai services are expected to boost confidence in the airport’s potential as a regional hub.

Authorities have assured that necessary immigration, customs, and security services are in place to support the new flights. Bishnu Prasad Dhungana, Chief Immigration Officer at Gautam Buddha International Airport, confirmed that preparations are being finalized. “We are ready, and technical personnel will be managed to ensure a smooth process for passengers,” Dhungana stated.

The government’s plans to provide discounts on fuel and tickets to airlines operating at Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport were recently approved by the Cabinet. The government has also promised additional incentives to attract more airlines to the airport.

This move comes as part of a broader strategy to fully operationalize Nepal’s new international airports, enhancing the country’s air connectivity and promoting tourism. However, while Flydubai and Jazeera have announced their schedules, Thai AirAsia is yet to confirm its operational date.

With the launch of these international services, it is hoped that Gautam Buddha International Airport will finally live up to its potential, helping to alleviate congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and boosting Nepal’s tourism and trade sectors.

Rising Tourism Between Nepal and Thailand

Thai AirAsia’s expansion into Bhairahawa is expected to strengthen Nepal’s tourism ties with Thailand, with over 40,000 Thai tourists visiting Nepal annually. The airline’s CEO, Santisuk Klongchaiya, expressed optimism that air connectivity between the two nations will not only boost tourism but also deepen cultural and people-to-people ties.

Nepal’s tourism sector stands to benefit significantly, with an increase in international flights offering more options for tourists and business travelers alike.