KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has provided updates to the parliamentary committee regarding the operations, challenges, and action plans concerning Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, and the Lumbini Development Master Plan.
Ministry Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey informed the committee that various technical, legal, policy-level, and practical issues are being addressed to ensure the smooth operation of these national pride projects falling under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
During a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee on Friday, Pandey stated, “Projects such as the Lumbini Master Plan are progressing steadily based on the available resources.”
Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, reported that despite challenges such as earthquakes, border blockades, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha Airports has been completed.
“Although Gautam Buddha Airport is operational, the low passenger traffic at Bhairahawa has discouraged private plane operations,” Adhikari noted. He suggested that if the government takes the matter seriously, flights could be organized for individuals seeking foreign employment.
Adhikari proposed utilizing Gautam Buddha Airport to alleviate the impact of reduced international flights when Tribhuvan International Airport is scheduled for maintenance for several months starting October.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for managing 55 airports across the country, with aging airports in remote districts primarily utilized for transporting essential goods such as salt, vaccines, rice, books, and ballot papers during elections.
Several airports in hilly districts have experienced a decline in flight numbers due to the expansion of road transportation networks.
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