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Five airlines now operating in Bhairahawa: Qatar Airways joins international roster

KATHMANDU: Qatar Airways has announced the launch of daily direct flights between Doha and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, now becomes the fifth international airline to operate from Bhairahawa. This move is expected to significantly enhance accessibility to the Lumbini region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, further positioning Bhairahawa as a growing hub for international travel in Nepal.

Qatar Airways’ entry into Bhairahawa follows the recent submission of its winter flight schedule proposal, which was swiftly approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). “Flight QR-648 will arrive daily from Doha at 2:45 PM in Bhairahawa, accommodating passengers from Nepal’s Terai region,” stated Gyanendra Bhul, Deputy Spokesperson for CAAN. The flight will then proceed to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:45 PM to serve passengers connecting to Doha and onward international destinations via Qatar Airways’ expansive network. The return flight, QR-649, will depart from Kathmandu at 6:55 PM.

Airfares for the Doha-Bhairahawa route will range from USD $810 to $1,653. This marks a significant development for Gautam Buddha International Airport, which began international operations in May 2022 but gained further momentum on Bhai Tika Day with Thai Air Asia’s flights from Bangkok. Since then, four additional airlines, including Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Jazeera Airways, have added Bhairahawa to their routes, expanding the airport’s weekly flights to a total of 24.

Rising International Interest and New Airline Incentives

Qatar Airways’ decision to operate from Bhairahawa reflects the increasing interest among global airlines in Nepal’s emerging airport infrastructure. Nepal’s Cabinet recently approved an incentive plan to attract even more international carriers, waiving fees for landing, parking, and navigation until August 2026. Additionally, international passengers arriving at Bhairahawa are exempt from the NPR 3,000 service charge, while foreign tourists are exempt from the NPR 1,000 tourist fee. Ground handling fees have also been reduced by 75%, encouraging new airlines to explore routes to Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports.

Other international airlines are also eyeing Bhairahawa for expansion, according to CAAN officials. “Air Arabia has expressed interest in Bhairahawa operations, and with Qatar Airways now onboard, we expect more airlines to follow,” a CAAN official mentioned. However, Indian carriers are yet to commit to flights to Bhairahawa and Pokhara, despite growing connectivity in these regions.

Positive Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

The launch of new international routes is expected to provide a substantial boost to Nepal’s tourism industry, especially in Bhairahawa and Lumbini, key sites for Buddhist pilgrims and cultural tourists. This increase in connectivity to the Terai region aligns with Nepal’s goal of attracting more visitors to regions beyond Kathmandu, spreading economic benefits across the country.

Local tourism operators and businesses in Bhairahawa are optimistic about the prospects. With an influx of international flights, the tourism sector anticipates more visitors, which could stimulate job creation, drive economic development, and provide more business opportunities for the region.

Domestic Airlines Join the Movement

Nepal’s domestic airlines are also looking to leverage the increased international traffic at Bhairahawa. Yeti Airlines recently announced daily flights between Pokhara and Bhairahawa, with fares starting at NPR 2,500 one-way. Yeti Airlines aims to serve both local passengers and international tourists seeking to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Other domestic airlines have signaled similar plans to expand their routes in response to the anticipated increase in passenger traffic.

A Transformative Step for Nepal’s Aviation Sector

Qatar Airways’ daily service to Bhairahawa highlights the potential of Gautam Buddha International Airport as an emerging international aviation hub. With five international airlines now operating out of Bhairahawa, the airport is gradually establishing itself as a strategic gateway to the Lumbini region, and an alternative to Kathmandu’s increasingly congested Tribhuvan International Airport.

The Nepal government’s supportive policies and incentives are creating an attractive environment for both international and domestic airlines, paving the way for further growth in Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors. The introduction of more flights and the expected increase in tourism contribute to the country’s efforts to expand its aviation infrastructure, making travel to Nepal more accessible than ever before.

As Qatar Airways joins Bhairahawa’s growing list of international carriers, Nepal’s ambition to develop regional airports and strengthen its tourism-driven economy is gradually being realized, benefiting the country’s long-term economic growth trajectory.

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