Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has stated that the provincial government is working to streamline public services such as visa processing, labor permit approvals, health checkups, and other related tasks to ensure the smooth operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Lumbini.
Speaking at an interaction program titled "Sustainable Operation, Investment, and Possibilities of Gautam Buddha International Airport" on Thursday, Chief Minister Acharya highlighted that international flights from Lumbini have created opportunities for the local community. He urged the federal government to delegate procedural responsibilities, including visa issuance and labor permit processing, to the provincial level.
Chief Minister Acharya emphasized that the airport's operation has fostered an investment-friendly environment and encouraged investors to confidently seize the opportunities available. He also expressed the province’s willingness to amend any laws that might hinder investment in the region.
Additionally, the Chief Minister assured stakeholders that the provincial government would facilitate trips within the Lumbini Tourism Circuit to attract and accommodate tourists visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Participants, including business leaders, expressed optimism about Lumbini's tourism prospects following the commencement of international flights at the airport. They highlighted the potential for significant growth in the region’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Gautam Buddha International Airport, located in Bhairahawa, serves as an alternative to the Kathmandu-based Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) which is struggling with air traffic congestion of late.
The newly built facility also links Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations globally, to the rest of the world. The airport, which began international operations in 2022, aims to boost tourism and trade in the region but has been struggling to attract airline companies despite offering various incentives and VAT waiver for air tickets.
However, the partial closure of the TIA since early November has led to increase in flight activities to and from GBIA, with at least five airlines showing interest to operate flights. (With inputs from RSS)
