KATHMANDU, June 23: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a high-level discussion on maximizing the operational capacity of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

The meeting held on Friday at the office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in Singh Durbar focused on exploring options and measures to ensure these two international airports operate at full capacity.

Prime Minister Dahal emphasized that both airports are projects of national pride and strategic importance for the country. He urged all government agencies to collaborate and find solutions to achieve full operational capacity for the airports.

"Pokhara and Bhairahawa Airports are projects of national pride. The state has invested heavily in their construction, and the private sector has also invested in tourism infrastructure. Under such circumstances, we have no other option but to operate these airports at full capacity. The Ministry of Tourism and the Civil Aviation Authority should seriously prepare and present a concrete proposal to achieve this soon," stated the Prime Minister.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Dahal suggested some concessions and directed the creation of a comprehensive plan to enhance government services for the airports.

"There is a problem of air traffic at Kathmandu airport. A proper solution should be provided. On the other hand, the improvement and capacity expansion of Kathmandu Airport is also underway. At this time, necessary preparations should be made for international flights from Bhairahawa and Pokhara. Preparations should be made for Nepali travelers and others going for foreign employment to fly from Bhairahawa and Pokhara. For this, medical, labor approval, immigration, and other government services should be organized in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Diplomatic initiatives should also be taken for visa centers," said Prime Minister Dahal.

Prime Minister Dahal further added, "Some concessions should be given for the airport to operate at full capacity. Concessions on air tickets, ground handling, and air fuel should be considered. Let's also coordinate with the private sector and request concession packages in hotels and other services. Necessary diplomatic initiatives will also be taken by the government. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Authority should do the necessary homework. Coordinate with other ministries and agencies, and we should come to a conclusion soon."

In the meeting, Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang assured that necessary preparations would be made, and a concrete proposal would be presented to operate the airports at full capacity.

Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, mentioned that a concrete proposal would be presented after discussing options and concessional packages. He also stated that the ministry is in talks with foreign airline companies to operate both airports at full capacity.