KATHMANDU, Aug 1: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has made a decision to expand commercial flight operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Bhairahawa. 

Thai AirAsia, marking its return to Nepal after a five-year hiatus, has been granted approval to operate four flights a week from the Bhairahawa airport.

According to CAAN sources, Thai AirAsia will also run three weekly flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu in addition to the new Bhairahawa  airport. The airline has been fulfilling its financial obligations, including a monthly payment of Rs 125 million, to maintain its operations.

Since February, AirAsia has been making these payments on a monthly basis in a bid to settle its outstanding dues. The CAAN plans to further prioritize Bhairahawa by approving new airlines for the route.

Universal Travel, the airline’s General Sales Agent (GSA), will manage the flights, which will connect Bangkok to both Kathmandu and Bhairahawa. This move is anticipated to boost religious tourism and strengthen labor migration between the two regions.

Bhairahawa, a key hub for both workers aspiring to go abroad and religious tourism particularly to those following Buddhism, is expected to benefit significantly from Thai AirAsia’s regular services, enhancing travel options and supporting the local economy.

 
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