Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to operating Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) at full capacity, even after the completion of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) runway expansion. Speaking at an interaction program organized by Siddhartha Udyog Banijya Sangh in Bhairahawa, the minister addressed concerns raised by local business representatives regarding the sustainability of GBIA operations.
Minister Pandey highlighted GBIA’s strategic location in central Nepal, close to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as a major advantage for air passengers and tourism. To ensure the airport’s sustainable operation, he pledged to visit GBIA twice a month and announced plans to establish his liaison office in Bhairahawa to oversee airport activities and facilitate the growth of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT).
He emphasized that GBIA’s location near the Mechi-Mahakali Highway and its proximity to key tourist destinations like Lumbini and Pokhara positions it as a tourism hub. Minister Pandey assured stakeholders that international flights to and from GBIA would continue alongside TIA operations and stated that plans are underway to make Pokhara International Airport operational soon after GBIA reaches full functionality.
In July, a decision was made to establish essential facilities at GBIA, including offices for labor, visa processing, medical services, and manpower companies, to enhance its operational efficiency. Minister Pandey also announced a forthcoming Prime Minister-level meeting in Kathmandu to finalize the airport’s implementation modalities.
Acknowledging existing challenges, the minister urged the private sector to collaborate in resolving disputes between local hotels, monasteries, and residents that have hindered progress in Lumbini’s development. As chairman of the LDT, he pledged to address its shortcomings and work toward accelerating its projects.
Minister Pandey concluded by discouraging the practice of premature congratulations for developmental milestones, emphasizing the need for sustained action to ensure GBIA’s success as a fully operational international airport.
