The Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa, Nepal’s second international airport, is set to begin operations with over three international airlines. After a prolonged period of inactivity for commercial international flights despite its completion, the airport will now facilitate international airline operations.
According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, the airport’s general manager, Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways, Dubai’s flagship carrier Fly Dubai, and Thailand-based Thai AirAsia have received regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to commence flights. The airport has confirmed that flight schedules are being organized accordingly.
Fly Dubai plans to launch regular flights from GBIA starting November 10. This will mark the airline’s inaugural flight to the airport, operating daily flights between Dubai and Bhairahawa, as well as connecting Bhairahawa to Kathmandu and back to Dubai. The flight schedule allows Fly Dubai to arrive in Bhairahawa at 1:45 PM and depart for Kathmandu at 3:30 PM.
Additionally, Jazeera Airways will resume operations from November 1, after having suspended its flights for 10 months due to technical reasons. It plans to operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the schedule permitting arrivals in Bhairahawa at 7:30 AM and departures to Kuwait at 8:30 AM.
Thai AirAsia is also planning to initiate flights to GBIA soon, with its technical team having recently visited the airport for preparatory discussions regarding operational logistics. The airline aims to enhance air connectivity between Nepal and Thailand, fostering cultural and tourism ties between the two nations, with over 40,000 Thai tourists visiting Nepal annually.
General Manager Tiwari emphasized that the government’s initiative aims to fully operationalize both international airports in the country. He noted that the airport is well-prepared, having completed necessary immigration, customs, and security arrangements.
As GBIA prepares for the influx of international flights, officials are coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. The airport features 21 passenger service counters, with further enhancements in automation underway.
The government has introduced attractive packages to facilitate airline operations, aiming to revitalize both GBIA and Pokhara International Airport, which have faced challenges in initiating regular international flights since their completion.
With the recent approval of operational plans by the Cabinet, both airports are expected to significantly contribute to Nepal’s aviation landscape, enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in the region.
Source: RSS
