KATHMANDU, Oct 31: Entrepreneurs have declared their intention to stage a protest, urging the resumption of regular international flights at the Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi.
The entrepreneurs have outlined a series of protest actions, including a relay fast, suspension of domestic flights, and an indefinite closure of the Belhiya border crossing. They argue that investments worth billions from both the government and the private sector are at risk due to the lack of regular international flights, even one and a half years after the airport's inauguration.
An estimated Rs 40 billion was invested in constructing the airport, including compensation. In addition, approximately Rs 80 billion has been invested by the private sector in five-star hotels and various businesses targeting the airport. Entrepreneurs are increasingly concerned that this substantial investment may go to waste if regular international flights are not resumed.
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Siddhartha Network Rupandehi, representing 32 organizations from the private sector and social groups, issued a protest ultimatum, commencing a 35-day countdown from Monday. Anil Kumar Gyawali, president of the network, disclosed that they would deliver a memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and correspond with various organizations, travel companies, airlines, and other stakeholders starting November 1. They will also request the support of chief district officers, police chiefs, municipalities, rural municipalities, government agencies, and elected representatives to bolster their movement.
Additionally, they plan to engage various agencies in their campaign to stop domestic flights and conduct a peaceful rally in Bhairahawa, urging the resumption of regular international flights.
Gyawali emphasized their commitment to the cause, stating that they would stage a two-day sit-in at the airport entrance as part of their protest program. Should their demands remain unmet, they intend to halt domestic flights indefinitely after December 11. "We have exhausted all avenues to establish regular international flights from the airport," Gyawali explained, "but when no one heeds our call, we are compelled to take to the streets. We will escalate our protest until regular international flights are reinstated."
CP Shrestha, the vice president of the network, argued that the failure to operate the airport at full capacity is resulting in substantial losses for both the government and entrepreneurs. He alleged that certain entrepreneurs in Kathmandu have hindered the commencement of regular international flights from the GBIA due to their vested interests.
Sanjay Bajimaya, the general secretary of the network, pointed out that despite significant investments in large hotels targeting the airport, businesses are in crisis due to the irregularity of international flights. He lamented the government's disregard for the demands of the business community, which has even led to tragic cases of businessmen taking their own lives.
Inaugurated on May 16, 2022, the GBIA is yet to see the resumption of regular international flights. Jazeera Airlines, which commenced international flights on its inauguration day, suspended its services after a brief period. Similarly, Himalaya Air, which operated chartered flights for a while, has also ceased operations. Presently, Nepal Airlines is operating only one flight per week.
