PM Oli's directive to operate new int'l airports effectively

Kathmandu, Aug 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had a high-level discussion on how the regional international airports of Pokhara and Bhairahawa could be operated in a full-fledged manner.     

In the discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers on Friday, PM Oli inquired on present flight pressure and passenger management at the Tribhuvan International Airport and pledged to operate both the regional international airports in full capacity soon.     

The PM instructed the ministers to create an environment conducive to ensure regular international flights from the two airports. If the aviation regulatory body addresses the concerns of the international airlines that have shown interest in these two airports, the government will put them on the schedule and move forward accordingly.     

He urged the ministers to take it seriously because the two international airports were not operating at full capacity, thereby causing huge loss. TIA was forced to handle many flights and passengers than its capacity, which can be eased with smooth operation of new international airports, according to the PM.     

The concerned officials were directed to submit plans for the effective operation of both airports, including immigration and other facilities and shifting fuel depots to other places if it is too close to the airport. The Cabinet could ease the situation if the problems were shared on time, PM Oli assured.     

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel; Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba; Minister for Labour and Employment, Sharat Singh Bhandari; and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey; among others were present in the meeting.(RSS)