Thai Air Asia is preparing to relaunch its international flight service connecting Bangkok and Bhairahawa’s Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) on October 26, 2025, after a hiatus of several months.
The low-cost carrier had previously suspended operations on this route in the second week of March 2025 due to poor passenger turnout. However, with growing optimism regarding Nepal’s tourism recovery and improved travel interest, Thai Air Asia has announced its return with regular commercial flights between Thailand’s capital and Lumbini’s gateway airport.
Ticket Bookings Open, Fare Set at Rs 24,000
Universal Tours and Travels, the authorized General Sales Agent (GSA) for Thai Air Asia in Nepal, has confirmed that advance ticket bookings have been opened for the resumed flights. As per the announcement, the airfare for a round-trip ticket has been fixed at approximately NPR 24,000, a price aimed at attracting both domestic and international travelers interested in the spiritual and cultural attractions of Lumbini and the surrounding region.
The ticketing arrangement is already active through various online and offline platforms. Travel agents and tourism entrepreneurs in Bhairahawa have welcomed the move, anticipating an increase in inbound tourism in the coming months.
Flights to Operate Regularly from Kartik to Chaitra
An official from Thai Air Asia stated that the airline plans to operate regular flights from Kartik to Chaitra according to the Nepali calendar, aligning with the main tourist season in Nepal. This timeframe spans the late autumn and winter seasons, which are considered peak months for both religious and recreational tourism across Nepal, especially in the Terai region and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The reintroduction of the service is expected to be particularly beneficial for Buddhist pilgrims and international tourists seeking a direct and efficient connection to Lumbini. Gautam Buddha International Airport, Nepal’s second international gateway after Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, was inaugurated in May 2022 with the goal of decentralizing international air traffic and promoting regional tourism.
Previous Suspension and New Strategy
Thai Air Asia had initially launched direct flights between Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and GBIA in December 2022. Despite the strategic intent to tap into religious tourism, especially from Buddhist-majority nations, the service failed to meet expected passenger volumes. The airline subsequently suspended flights in March 2025.
According to industry observers, multiple factors contributed to the low turnout, including limited marketing, high ticket costs during initial operations, and lack of connecting infrastructure in Bhairahawa. However, this time, the airline appears to have adopted a more pragmatic approach by reducing fares and timing the relaunch during Nepal’s tourist season.
Boost for Regional Tourism and Connectivity
The return of Thai Air Asia is likely to bolster regional tourism and economic activity in Province 5. Bhairahawa’s location, just 22 kilometers from Lumbini, makes GBIA a critical infrastructure project for promoting spiritual tourism. Moreover, easier access via direct international flights is expected to boost hotel occupancy, local business, and employment opportunities.
Tourism experts believe the resumption of flights will serve as a confidence booster for other airlines considering international routes via GBIA. “This is a step in the right direction,” said one travel operator based in Bhairahawa. “With consistent flights and better promotion, we can expect a revival of tourism in the region.”
Expectations from the Government and Stakeholders
While Thai Air Asia’s return has been welcomed, stakeholders have emphasized the need for government coordination and promotional campaigns to ensure sustained operations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Lumbini Development Trust have been urged to actively promote GBIA as a spiritual and heritage destination.
Local authorities have also been asked to improve transportation, security, and hospitality infrastructure to meet the expectations of international tourists. Coordinated efforts are necessary to convert Bhairahawa into a bustling tourism hub that complements Kathmandu and Pokhara.
A Test Case for GBIA’s Future
As of now, GBIA remains underutilized, with few international connections despite being equipped with a 3,000-meter runway and modern terminal facilities. Thai Air Asia’s return marks an important test case for the airport’s potential to serve as an alternative international gateway. Success on this route could pave the way for more airlines to resume or start new routes connecting Bhairahawa with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even East Asia.
Industry insiders have emphasized that GBIA’s sustainability hinges on the success of such operations and strategic partnerships with international carriers. The government’s aviation policy and its ability to attract tourists through destination branding will be crucial in the long term.
The planned resumption of Thai Air Asia’s Bangkok–Bhairahawa flight from October 26 offers renewed hope for regional tourism and better international connectivity to Lumbini. With affordable pricing, seasonal timing, and improved coordination among tourism stakeholders, the route has the potential to thrive.
As the spiritual capital of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini continues to hold immense cultural and religious significance. Ensuring seamless access through GBIA will be a key factor in realizing Nepal’s vision of attracting two million tourists annually by the end of the decade.
