The Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) remains largely idle as airlines have delayed adopting the summer schedule. Although some flights operated until March 29, international services have been halted since then, as airlines have yet to resume operations. Currently, Nepal Airlines operates only one international flight per week.
Businesspersons have expressed frustration over the airport’s inactivity, arguing that it is primarily being used for flight diversions rather than regular operations. The suspension of flights at GBIA shortly after Tribhuvan International Airport extended its operating hours to 18 per day seems more than just a coincidence, they claim.
GBIA Spokesperson Shyam Kishor Saha stated that international airlines such as Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai, and Thai AirAsia have not yet adopted the summer flight schedule. However, there is a possibility that Jazeera Airways will resume flights from May.
Saha maintained that GBIA has no issues with landing or takeoff. While he acknowledged some concerns over low visibility in January, he emphasized that it did not significantly impact operations. He also asserted that the airport provides airlines and passengers with the necessary technical support and other facilities for convenience.
He added that sustained airport operations depend on attracting large travel and manpower agencies based in Kathmandu. While the government has taken initiatives in this regard, he noted that the private sector has yet to make significant efforts.
However, businesspersons disputed Saha’s assessment, arguing that the Government of Nepal failed to offer timely discounts to airlines, discouraging them from scheduling flights.
Anil Gyawali, who leads the Siddhartha Network Rupandehi group advocating for the airport’s regular operation, identified delayed discounts as the primary reason for international airlines' reluctance to adopt the summer schedule.
Gyawali also blamed Kathmandu-based business interests for resisting international flights outside the federal capital. He warned that if the government does not take immediate steps to ensure regular international flights at GBIA, local protests will resume.
Contrary to claims that airlines are not getting enough passengers at Bhairahawa Airport, statistics indicate otherwise. According to spokesperson Saha, 15,148 passengers used the airport during the winter schedule (January, February, and March). Of these, 8,039 passengers arrived, while 7,109 departed.
In March alone, 7,034 passengers traveled through the airport. Jazeera Airways and Fly Dubai recorded the highest number of passengers, with Jazeera carrying 3,607 passengers and Fly Dubai transporting 2,323 passengers. These figures suggest that demand exists, raising further questions about the lack of scheduled flights at GBIA. -- RSS
