Several international airlines are set to begin operations at Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport. After an extended delay in launching commercial international flights following the airport’s construction, the long-awaited services are about to commence.
According to Pratap Babu Tiwari, the general manager of Gautam Buddha International Airport, Kuwait's Jazeera Airways, Dubai's national carrier FlyDubai, and Thailand-based Thai AirAsia are gearing up to start operations. All three airlines have received flight operation permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), with schedules in place for their flights.
FlyDubai will launch regular flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport from November 10. This will be the airline's inaugural flight to this airport. FlyDubai will operate daily flights on the Dubai-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu-Dubai route.
CAAN's Deputy Spokesperson, Gyanendra Bhul, confirmed FlyDubai’s flights on the Dubai-Bhairahawa-Kathmandu-Dubai route, starting in November.
General Manager Tiwari further mentioned that FlyDubai’s aircraft will arrive from Dubai at 1:45 PM and depart for Dubai via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at 3:30 PM, following the approved flight schedule from CAAN.
FlyDubai’s technical team has already inspected the airport facilities, and preparations for the airline's operations are advancing, said Tiwari.
The delay in launching international flights from the airport has left local businesses disheartened. Though Jazeera Airways initially started services, the airline later ceased operations.
Jazeera Airways is set to resume flights from October 28. The airline, which previously operated for 10 months before suspending services, is now resuming its services at Bhairahawa. Jazeera will operate flights three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Jazeera’s aircraft will land in Bhairahawa at 7:30 AM and depart for Kuwait at 8:30 AM, as per the approved schedule from CAAN. Jazeera began operating at Gautam Buddha International Airport on May 16, 2022 but halted flights due to technical reasons.
Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia is also planning to begin flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport soon. A technical team from the airline recently visited the airport, where they were briefed on the airport's capabilities, flight operations market analysis, and potential operational benefits, according to General Manager Tiwari. However, the airline has not yet set a definitive date to start its operations.
Thai AirAsia has been operating flights to key destinations across Asia with a fleet of approximately 60 aircraft. The airline also recently launched direct flights to Nepal on October 2 and is now preparing to expand its services to Bhairahawa.
Tourism ties between Nepal and Thailand remain strong, with more than 40,000 Thai tourists visiting Nepal annually, while a significant number of Nepali tourists also travel to Thailand each year.
Thai AirAsia’s Chief Executive Officer, Santisuk Klongchaiya, has expressed optimism that the flights will play a key role not only in enhancing air connectivity but also in strengthening the cultural and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Thailand.
The government’s initiative to operate both of Nepal’s international airports, Gautam Buddha and Pokhara, at full capacity is well underway, stated General Manager Tiwari. “Since assuming responsibility for the airport, we have taken the necessary steps to facilitate the launch of international flights as part of the government’s operational plan,” he said.
Essential services for international airport operations, including immigration, customs, and security, are fully in place, according to airport officials.
Bishnu Prasad Dhungana, the Chief Immigration Officer at Gautam Buddha International Airport, mentioned that all necessary preparations are on track with the imminent commencement of flights by Jazeera Airways and FlyDubai. "We are prepared, and central office coordination is underway to ensure the availability of technical manpower. Immigration services must be streamlined for passengers, and our office is ready for that," he said.
CAAN has been coordinating with multiple government agencies to ensure readiness, with all aspects of immigration, customs, and security in place. Twenty-one passenger service counters are operational at the airport, with some automation work still pending.
Dhungana added, "Given that Tribhuvan International Airport is undergoing maintenance, there is potential for increased flight numbers at Gautam Buddha International Airport in the future, with other airlines also showing interest."
Recently, a team led by the Director General of the Department of Immigration conducted an on-site inspection of Gautam Buddha International Airport, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of immigration services.
The government has announced attractive incentive packages, including fuel and ticket subsidies, to encourage airlines to operate from these airports. As part of a broader reform plan for Nepal's civil aviation sector, the government aims to bring both Gautam Buddha and Pokhara airports into full operational capacity.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation plans to offer ticket, ground handling, and aviation fuel concessions until September 2026. Nepal Tourism Board has also committed to waiving ticket charges for both airports and VAT on air tickets will not be imposed until September 2026. Moreover, fuel prices at Bhairahawa are expected to be lower than at Kathmandu Airport, following a coordinated effort with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
Seventy-four years after the opening of Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal saw the launch of its second international airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport. Initially built as a domestic airport in July 1958, it has now been upgraded to an international airport.