KATHMANDU: A delegation from the Lumbini Province Civil Aviation Authority submitted a formal memorandum to Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), advocating for the consistent operation of international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Assuring their commitment, Adhikari affirmed CAAN’s dedication to ensuring the steady operation of international flights from the airport.

The plea for regular international flights was also articulated during a meeting with Nepal Representatives of the Asian Development Bank earlier this week.

Sagar Adhikari, outgoing Chairperson of CAAN Lumbini Province, emphasized the necessity of ADB’s support for the continual operation of international flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Additionally, the delegation presented their appeal to Sudan Kirati, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, underlining the urgency for consistent international flight operations at the airport.

Tourism entrepreneurs have heavily invested in Bhairahawa and the Lumbini region’s tourism infrastructure post the construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport. However, their substantial investments remain underutilized due to the airport’s incomplete operational status, prompting their persistent demand for regular international flight services.