Minister Kirati’s announcement: 5 lakhs for those flying internationally from Bhairahawa

KATHMANDU: Sudan Kirati, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, has stated that they are willing to offer a 5 lakh rupee incentive for each voyage to aircraft that fly frequently from Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa.

Minister Kirati stated on Sunday at a session with Lumbini provincial tourism specialists at the ministry that preparations are being made to launch international flights from Bhairahawa and Pokhara as soon as feasible.

“We are preparing to give 5 lakh rupees for each flight as a reward to those who fly regularly from Gautam Buddha International Airport Bhairahawa and Pokhara Airport,” the minister stated.

The Lumbini State delegation of the Nepal Association of Travels and Tour Agents (NATTA) has arrived in Kathmandu to advocate for the launch of international flights from Bhairawa International Airport.

Minister Kiranti stated at the discussion with the group that he was also in support of bringing Nepal Air Service Corporation planes to Bhairahawa and that foreign flights should continue.

However, if there is an issue with government administration, he has committed to regularize the flight, even if it means working with the private sector.

Minister Kirati also informed business leaders that the government is concerned about the private sector investing 65-70 billion rupees in the Gautam Buddha Airport, which the state has already invested more than 43 billion rupees on.

During their meeting with the minister, tourism executives urged that foreign flights begin immediately from Bhairahawa airport.

The departing president of NATTA Lumbini, Sagar Adhikari, stated in a 9-point memorandum that there is a desire from the private sector for Nepal Air Service Corporation to begin international flights from Bhairahawa Airport.