BHARATPUR: Passenger traffic on the Bharatpur-Kathmandu air route has increased significantly following the collapse of roads at Krishnabhir and other points along the Chitwan-Prithvi Highway, prompting a substantial increase in flight frequency.
Buddha Air is currently the only airline operating flights between Bharatpur and Kathmandu. According to Bhakta Bahadur Basnet, head of the airline’s Bharatpur office, the carrier normally operates five flights a day on the route. However, the number has more than doubled to 11 amid growing demand following the disruption of road travel.
Basnet said the airline has adjusted the number of daily flights according to passenger demand and is currently operating up to 11 flights a day.
The airline operates ATR 72 aircraft on the route. Although the aircraft has a seating capacity of 72 passengers, it generally carries around 65 to 70 passengers on flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and about 50 passengers on flights from Bharatpur to Kathmandu because of the limitations of Bharatpur Airport’s short runway.
Following the road blockage at Krishnabhir, travelers can reach Kathmandu from Chitwan via the alternative route through Makawanpur. However, many passengers have opted for air travel, particularly amid the ongoing rainy season and the uncertainty surrounding road conditions.
Passengers travelling by air are also coming from neighboring districts, including Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung and Makawanpur.
Buddha Air said it has increased flight frequency to accommodate the surge in demand and facilitate passengers affected by the disruption of road transportation.
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