The number of passengers on international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa has been steadily increasing. According to GBIA spokesperson Deepak Kumar Bajracharya, airlines operating direct international flights from the airport are seeing a consistent rise in passenger numbers.
Bajracharya dismissed rumors of occupancy problems at the airport, stating, “I am unaware of the circulating rumors, but the number of passengers on direct international flights from the airport is gradually growing. While passenger growth takes time, airlines operating direct flights are experiencing steady improvements.”
Currently, four international airlines operate from GBIA. Jazeera Airways runs three weekly flights, while Thai AirAsia now operates a single flight after merging its previously scheduled two weekly services. Bajracharya explained, “Thai AirAsia has combined its flights in a way that ensures both convenience for passengers and operational efficiency for the airline.”
As of November 30, GBIA recorded significant passenger numbers across several airlines. Jazeera Airways operated 10 flights, carrying 1,154 passengers and 1,637 outbound passengers. Fly Asia conducted five flights, bringing in 72 passengers and 375 outbound passengers. Nepal Airlines ran 10 flights, serving a total of 18 passengers. Fly Dubai operated 22 flights, bringing in 895 passengers and 115 outbound passengers. In total, 78 international flights operated from GBIA during this period, with 2,533 passengers arriving and 2,238 departing.
Despite reports of low occupancy and high fares on certain routes, Bajracharya emphasized that GBIA’s performance is comparable to international flights landing in Kathmandu. He described the passenger numbers on direct international flights as “satisfactory.”
GBIA has gained attention as an alternative airport due to ongoing upgrades at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. With TIA closing for 10 hours daily for construction, some airlines have moved operations to GBIA. However, Qatar Airways, which initially operated flights from GBIA, has suspended its services. Qatar Airways completed 38 touchdown flights, serving just 93 passengers in one month.
Stakeholders stress the importance of improving GBIA’s infrastructure to enhance its potential as an international hub. Suggestions include establishing a visa center, medical testing facilities, better staffing arrangements, and streamlined labor approvals. These improvements are seen as key to boosting the airport’s appeal as both a labor migration and tourism destination.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted full exemptions on aeronautical and non-aeronautical charges to encourage airline operations at GBIA. Despite these incentives, the lack of adequate passenger services and facilities continues to hinder the airport’s growth.
GBIA holds considerable potential as both a labor and tourist destination. Bajracharya believes that with clear government support and the effective implementation of facilitation measures, the airport could become a dynamic hub for international flights. Stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize the airport’s development to unlock its dual potential in tourism and labor migration.
