Taking Flights Higher

The hospitality business in Bhairahawa and the vicinity is still in the doldrums. It seems that the spirited business people are now paying the piper for they poured money into setting up hotels and other infrastructures with the hope that local economy will take off once the Gautam Buddha International Airport comes into full operation. But they are now facing difficulty in repaying their loans to the banks for the business activities have not increased as much-touted airport has failed to attract more airlines. It witnessed a brief operation by Jazeera Air and Himalayan Airlines but it ran out of international flights for about 10 months before Air Asia resumed its flights on November 3. The airport was expected to increase the inflow of tourists, especially the religious ones desirous of setting foot in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. 

Likewise, in the past few weeks, four of the five international airlines, except for Nepal Airlines, have suspended flights for various reasons. However, Fly Dubai has announced the resumption of flights from January 13 and Jazeera Airways will resume operations on January 31. When airlines suspend flights time and again, it has a significant impact on the economy and hits other sectors, too. After assuming office, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli instructed ministries to come up with a plan for the full operation of Gautam Buddha and Pokhara International Airports. Likewise, local hoteliers have requested for a regular Bhairawa-New Delhi flight to boost the economy, but airlines obviously prioritise demand and profitability before flying from the new routes.

 Despite all odds, the Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) has operated 729 international flights as of Sunday, with 45,573 passengers arriving and departing. The commercial operation of international flights from the airport began on May 16, 2022, coinciding with the Buddha Purnima, the birthday of Gautam Buddha. Bhairahawa serves as an appropriate location for both migrant workers going overseas and religious tourists paying homage to Lord Buddha. The smooth operation of international flights from GBIA can aid the hospitality business in the area. The private sector has made a huge investment in establishing hotels and restaurants with the expectations that the opening of the international airport will lead to a surge in international visitors and related businesses in the hospitality sector. 

The tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs are worried once again following the suspension of the flights for long time. As per a news report published in this daily on Monday, the Cabinet has approved CAAN's operational plan, which include provisions for passenger service fees, and the fees for landing, parking, and navigation, with significant discounts such as 100 per cent on some fees and $100 off per kilolitre of aviation fuel. The plan also offered a 75 per cent discount on ground handling charges to encourage aviation activities. Furthermore, arrangements have been made for manpower, visa processing, and medical check-ups in Bhairahawa and Pokhara to streamline operations.

While airlines often cite poor weather and low visibility from December to January as reasons for suspending flights, deeper issues such as India's refusal to use its airspace are contributing to the lack of international flights. Considering the possible impact of winter weather conditions such as flight delays or diversions, the airport had proposed a satellite-based RNP-AR landing procedure as an alternative when the chance to bring the Instrumental Landing System (ILS) into operation was not possible. CAAN should adopt innovative plans and policies, moving away from traditional airport operation practices.