Discussion about operating Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports at full capacity

KATHMANDU, June 23:Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' held a high-level discussion about operating Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport Bhairahawa at full capacity. On Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Prachanda discussion the alternatives and strategies for operating the two international airports at full capacity at the Prime Minister's and Council of Ministers offices.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Prachanda underlined that the two airports are projects of national pride as well as strategic importance to the country, and that all government departments must work together to find a solution that allows the airport to operate at full capacity.

Prime Minister Prachanda stated, "Pokhara and Bhairahawa Airport are projects of national pride." The state has also made significant investments in the construction of these projects. The business sector has also contributed to tourism infrastructure. Under such conditions, there is no choice except to run these airports at maximum capacity. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Authority should thoroughly consider and present a solid proposal to operate the airports at full capacity as soon as possible.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Prachanda made some compromises and directed the presentation of a roadmap for operating the airport at maximum capacity by extending government services.

He stated, "There is an issue with aviation traffic at Kathmandu Airport. A good remedy should be provided for it. On the other side, improvements and capacity growth at Kathmandu Airport are underway. Preparations for international flights from Bhairahawa and Pokhara should begin now. Prepare to fly Nepali and other visitors seeking overseas work from Bhairahawa and Pokhara. Medical, labor approval, immigration, and other government services should be provided in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Diplomatic initiatives should be launched for the visa center.

Prime Minister Prachanda went on to say, "Some concessions should be made so that the airport can operate at full capacity." Make some concessions on flying tickets, ground handling, and airline fuel. Let us also work with the commercial sector to request concession packages in hotels. The administration also engages in necessary diplomatic endeavors. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Authority should do their homework. Coordinate with other ministries and agencies. And soon we'll be done.

During the meeting, Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang stated that they will conduct the necessary research and submit a concrete proposal for operating the airports at maximum capacity.

Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, stated that a definite plan will be provided after examining the alternatives with concessional packages, and that the ministry is also in discussions with foreign airline companies about operating both airports at full capacity.

The Prime Minister, Minister Tamang, Chief Secretary Dr. Baikunth Aryal, Tourism Secretary Dr. Pandey, Commerce Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Revenue Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Labor Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay, Civil Aviation Authority Director General Pradeep Adhikari, and others all took part in the discussion.