Buddha Air has begun commercial operations with its newly added ATR 72-600 aircraft, registered as 9N-AOS, strengthening its domestic fleet and air connectivity at a time when road travel across parts of Nepal continues to face disruptions. The aircraft made its inaugural commercial flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on Friday morning, carrying 66 passengers.
The new aircraft is expected to provide additional operational capacity for the airline while offering passengers improved comfort and modern aviation technology. The aircraft was brought to Nepal from Toulouse, France, on July 25 and entered commercial service after completing the required technical and regulatory procedures.
New ATR 72-600 Brings Modern Technology and Greater Comfort
The ATR 72-600 is equipped with modern aviation systems, including advanced avionics, a full glass cockpit, digital flight management, and enhanced safety systems. According to Buddha Air, the aircraft also offers improved fuel efficiency compared with older aircraft in its fleet. The aircraft is fitted with RNP-AR navigation technology, which enables more precise flight operations and can support aircraft operations in conditions of reduced visibility, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.
Passenger comfort has also been given attention in the new aircraft. Buddha Air says the aircraft features larger passenger seats and overhead compartments compared with its earlier series, while reduced cabin noise is expected to provide a more comfortable flying experience.
The addition of the ATR 72-600 comes as Buddha Air continues to expand its fleet and domestic network. The airline currently operates 15 aircraft, comprising 14 ATR 72-500s and the newly introduced ATR 72-600. It is also preparing to bring another ATR 72-600 into its fleet. Buddha Air currently operates more than 140 domestic flights daily, connecting Kathmandu with major cities across Nepal, while it also operates international services to Varanasi and Kolkata in India.
Buddha Air to Maintain Lower Fares Amid Road Disruptions
Alongside the introduction of the new aircraft, Buddha Air has announced that it will maintain lower airfares until major highways become accessible, providing an alternative for passengers affected by ongoing road disruptions. Buddha Air Executive Chairman Birendra Bahadur Basnet said the company would maintain affordable fares in response to difficulties faced by travelers following recent flood-related damage to Nepal’s road network.
The decision is particularly significant ahead of the major festive travel period. According to the airline, the lower fares will remain in place through Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, provided road connectivity remains disrupted. Basnet said that when natural disasters affect road transportation, air services can serve as an alternative means of travel.
He said the company considers providing such support a responsibility even if maintaining lower fares places an additional financial burden on the airline. The airline’s decision comes despite a substantial rise in aviation fuel prices.
Buddha Air said the price of aviation fuel has increased from Rs 127 per litre to Rs 249 per litre, representing an increase of around 96 percent over the past seven months. Despite this, the company has limited increases in selected airfares, with the Kathmandu–Bhairahawa fare increasing by only 14 percent during the period. Fuel accounts for approximately 35 to 40 percent of Buddha Air’s total operating costs, making the decision to control fares particularly significant amid rising operating expenses.
Air Connectivity and Relief Support During Disasters
The expansion of Buddha Air’s fleet comes at a time when dependable domestic air connectivity has become increasingly important for travelers affected by disruptions to Nepal’s road network. Nepalgunj, one of the country’s major transportation and commercial hubs in western Nepal, is an important gateway for travelers heading toward destinations in western and mid-western Nepal. Improved air services to the city can therefore support both regular passengers and tourism-related movement when long-distance road travel becomes difficult.
Buddha Air has also highlighted its contribution to disaster response as part of its corporate social responsibility. The airline said it has transported 7,322 kilograms of relief materials free of charge from different parts of the country and handed them over to the relevant authorities.
The relief supplies were collected from cities including Bhadrapur, Bharatpur, Surkhet, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa and Pokhara and transported without charge, according to the airline’s latest statement. With the addition of 9N-AOS and another ATR 72-600 planned for the near future, Buddha Air is seeking to strengthen its capacity while keeping air travel accessible for passengers, particularly during periods when road connectivity is affected by natural disasters and other disruptions.
