Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, emphasized the potential of attracting millions of tourists by fully operationalizing the Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports. He made these remarks during a discussion with international airline operators on Tuesday.
Minister Pandey stated that the government is actively working on various packages to facilitate the operation of these airports. He urged stakeholders to appreciate the government’s decisions, which were made with a clear understanding of the country’s complexities.
The Minister assured that the government is committed to continuous discussions on the policy, business, and security aspects required for the operation of both airports. He highlighted that Pokhara, as a tourist capital, and Bhairahawa could significantly increase state revenue if tourists from countries like China and India are successfully attracted.
Minister Pandey also reassured international airlines that they need not worry about the future beyond the next two years, as the government’s packages are designed for long-term sustainability. He mentioned that the government is already diplomatically engaging with China and India on route-related matters.
The discussion was attended by representatives from over a dozen airlines, including Jazeera Airways and Singapore Airlines.
