Gautam Buddha International Airport Faces Flight Suspension Amid Airline Delays

The Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) has once again fallen into disuse, with no flights operating since March 29. The airport, which briefly saw some international flights, has been left without regular services as airlines have yet to implement their summer schedules.

Nepal Airlines remains the only carrier conducting an international flight once a week. Business owners in the region have expressed frustration over the abrupt halt in operations, stating that the airport is being used merely as a diversionary hub rather than a fully functional international gateway. They have urged the government and airlines to restore regular flights.

GBIA spokesperson Shyam Kishor Saha confirmed that international carriers such as Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai, and Thai AirAsia have not yet scheduled summer operations. However, Jazeera Airways is expected to resume flights in May. Saha emphasized that there were no operational issues at the airport, noting that concerns over low visibility in January were minor and that all technical and passenger facilities were up to standard.

Despite these assurances, local business leaders disagree. They argue that the government’s failure to offer timely incentives and discounts to airlines has discouraged carriers from committing to the airport. Anil Gyawali, head of Siddhartha Network Rupandehi, a group advocating for regular operations at GBIA, blamed delays in offering financial concessions as the primary reason for airlines not adopting the summer schedule. He also suggested that Kathmandu-based business interests were reluctant to shift international flights away from the capital.

Gyawali warned that if the government does not take immediate action to ensure the airport’s full operation, local residents will once again stage protests.