A new strategy has been introduced to expand flights and attract international airlines with the goal of operating Gautam Buddha International Airport at full capacity. Airport management said preparations are underway to significantly increase international flight frequency from the upcoming winter schedule.
According to General Manager Shyam Kishore Sah, special efforts are being made to regularize and organize currently limited international services.
“We are coordinating with airlines with a target to increase flight numbers from the summer schedule,” he said.
So far, services have primarily targeted Buddhist pilgrims through flights operated by Thai AirAsia. The twice-weekly flights introduced in the recent winter schedule are now planned for further expansion. Authorities expect that extending flights connecting Buddhist circuits such as Lumbini and Gaya will promote religious tourism.
To ensure effective utilization of the airport, the concept of ‘Fifth Freedom’ flights has been proposed. Under this model, foreign airlines would be able to use Bhairahawa as a transit point to operate flights onward to third countries.
As an example, Sah mentioned that airlines like Qatar Airways could potentially operate routes such as Doha–Bhairahawa–third country and back along the same route.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has initiated necessary policy and technical preparations for this arrangement. Sah expressed confidence that a Cabinet decision on the matter will be made soon.
“At present, Qatar Airways is operating flights from countries other than Qatar. We are preparing to facilitate Qatar Airways to operate flights from Bhairahawa under the Fifth Freedom arrangement,” he said.
Another key plan to increase flight numbers involves stationing one aircraft of Nepal Airlines at Bhairahawa as a base. This, Sah believes, will make international operations from the airport more regular and reliable.
Member of Parliament from Rupandehi Constituency No. 4, Kanhaiya Baniya, also stated that Nepal Airlines is expected to begin operating with Bhairahawa as a base in the coming days.
Currently, several charter flights are being operated to ease travel for Nepali migrant workers. Kuwait Airways is bringing Nepali citizens home via Kuwait City–Bhairahawa flights, and approval is underway for flights from Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Sah emphasized that both charter and regular flights will be given equal priority moving forward.
These initiatives are expected to promote Lumbini-centered religious tourism while also making travel easier for Nepali migrant workers. Stakeholders believe that operating the airport at full capacity will boost regional economic activities and have a positive impact on the overall tourism industry.
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