Since its operation began, Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa has hosted 729 international flights, facilitating the travel of 45,573 passengers. According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, General Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority Office at GBIA, these flights operated between May 16, 2022, and December 30, 2024 (2079 Jestha 2 to 2081 Poush 15). During this period, 24,294 passengers departed from the airport, while 21,279 passengers arrived.
Despite its potential, GBIA faced a significant setback, with flights suspended for nearly ten months after operations began. International flights resumed on November 3, with services currently operated by Thai Air Asia and Nepal Airlines Corporation. However, other airlines, including Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai, and Qatar Airways, have halted services due to technical and weather-related challenges.
Qatar Airways had operated limited flights under its schedule, connecting Doha, Bhairahawa, and Kathmandu. Jazeera Airways previously conducted three weekly flights between Kuwait and Bhairahawa, but adverse weather conditions led to service suspension. Similarly, Fly Dubai’s Dubai-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu flights have been discontinued due to weather constraints.
To encourage more airlines to operate from GBIA, the government has introduced a series of incentives. These include a 100% waiver on passenger service charges, landing and parking fees, navigation and tourism taxes, and a 75% reduction on ground handling charges. Additionally, airlines receive a $100 discount per kiloliter of aviation fuel.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, as passengers still often travel to Kathmandu for labor-related processes and medical examinations. The airport’s General Manager emphasized the need for enhanced infrastructure and strategic partnerships to maximize GBIA’s potential as an international hub.
As GBIA strives to establish itself as a key gateway for international travel, it remains vital for stakeholders to address operational challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and greater connectivity for the region.
