It is heartening to note that the number of passengers on international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa is steadily increasing. The number of airlines operating direct international flights from GBIA is gradually increasing, as are the numbers of passengers. The not-so-good news is that Nepal's second international airport has miles to go before it starts operating at its full capacity: 18 days of business and 72 flights – 36 touchdowns and as many takeoffs. Currently, four international airlines operate from GBIA. Kuwait's Jazeera Airways operates three weekly flights, while Thai AirAsia operates one weekly flight, even though its original plan was to operate two weekly flights. As of November 30, Jazeera Airways operated 10 flights, flying in 1,154 passengers and flying out 1,637. Fly Asia conducted five flights, bringing in 72 passengers and carrying 375 outbound passengers. Flydubai operated 22 flights, bringing in 895 passengers and carrying 115 outbound passengers. Overall, 78 international flights operated from GBIA during this period, with 2,533 passengers arriving and 2,238 departing.
According to the information available, Nepal Airlines operated 10 flights, serving a total of 18 passengers. Qatar Airways completed 38 touchdown flights, serving only 93 passengers in one month, and has now suspended its services. Operating too few flights and flying in and out too few passengers adds to increased operational costs for the international airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the two airlines are expected to conduct independent reviews and then jointly review their findings to operationalize the airport sustainably and profitably. GBIA has gained prominence as an alternative airport due to ongoing upgrades at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). With TIA closing for 10 hours daily for construction, some airlines have shifted operations to GBIA. Stakeholders have emphasized the need to improve GBIA’s infrastructure to increase its viability as an international hub. Suggestions include establishing a visa center, medical testing facilities, better manpower arrangements, and streamlined labor approvals. These improvements, they argue, will enhance the airport’s role as both a labor and tourist destination. These are suggestions to be considered seriously.
New air-entry routes: India’s harmful dilly-dallying
Since its inauguration in May 2022, GBIA has struggled to attract regular international flights. The lack of interest from other airlines to fly in and out of GBIA has caused high operational costs. Also, India's reluctance to provide additional air routes and allow passenger planes to fly west through its airspace has impacted the airport's ability to attract international flights. The government should engage in diplomatic negotiations with India to secure additional air routes. Access to Indian airspace would mean shorter flights at lower costs. This is likely to make GBIA more attractive to international airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted full exemptions on aeronautical and non-aeronautical charges to encourage airline operations at GBIA. Despite these measures, the lack of adequate passenger services and facilities remains a barrier to its growth. The airport features a modern terminal building, a 3,000-meter-long runway, and state-of-the-art air traffic control facilities. Because it is centrally located – less than five kilometers from Bhairahawa and 20 kilometers from Lumbini – the airport is easily accessible and can serve as an important transit hub for both tourists and businesses. GBIA holds significant potential as both a labor destination and a tourist gateway. The airport can become a dynamic hub for international flights if the concerned government authorities take the necessary initiatives to address the bottlenecks hindering its full-fledged operation.
