Stakeholders Urge Government to Resume Direct Flights between Nepalgunj and New Delhi

Stakeholders have called on the government to initiate efforts to resume direct flights between Nepalgunj and New Delhi in view of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to India.

The Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an all-party discussion in Kathmandu on Sunday, attended by representatives of political parties, civil society, and related sectors. Participants stressed that the direct flights would contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and urged the government to hold serious talks with India on the matter.

Buddha Air launched the Nepalgunj–Delhi direct flight in 2018, but Indian authorities suspended it after one month, citing the unavailability of slots. Since then, people’s representatives from Banke, Bardiya, and other western districts have been demanding the resumption of the service. According to concerned officials, the Indian side has also shown interest in the route, which experts say would benefit both countries.

Experts noted that Indian authorities had earlier raised security concerns, and suggested that Nepal should provide assurances through the prime minister to address those concerns and build trust.

Lawmakers representing western Nepal, along with local representatives, took part in the discussion. MPs Sanjay Gautam, Dr. Dhawal Shumsher Rana, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Surya Dhakal, Maheshwar Jung Gahatraj, Deepa Sharma Rupakheti, Laxmi Tiwari, Shanti Chaudhary, Shova Gyawali, Javedha Khatun, Asha BK, and Abdul Khan expressed their commitment to supporting the flight resumption.

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Prashant Bista, FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal, FNCCI former president Bhawani Rana, and Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi highlighted the economic and tourism potential of the flight and urged the government to take the initiative.

Stakeholders believe that the direct flight could open new avenues for the regional growth of western Nepal, which holds high potential in tourism, herbal resources, agricultural products, and energy development. Nepalgunj Chamber President Tank Bahadur Dhami stressed the need for collective effort to make it happen.

MP Sanjay Gautam said Nepalgunj’s geographical, cultural, and economic strengths make the direct flight a key step for development. MP Abdul Khan underscored the importance of developing Nepalgunj as a hub for promoting tourism in western Nepal. MP Dhawal Shumsher Rana remarked, “The day the Nepalgunj–Delhi direct flight begins will mark a turning point for Karnali and Sudurpaschim.” MP Shakti Bahadur Basnet pledged full support for the required infrastructure and policy backing. -- RSS