High-level talks to operate Bhairahawa and Pokhara Int'l Airports at full capacity

The government has planned to operate the Gautam Buddha (Bhairahawa) International Airport and the Pokhara International Airport at full capacity.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Friday held a high-level discussion with stakeholders concerned on this topic. According to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, the Prime Minister described both airports as the projects of national pride and strategic importance, underlining the need for coordination among the government entities for their full-fledged operation.

He pressed an idea for seeking the involvement of the private sector in the airports' operations in which the State had already invested hugely.

The PM instructed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring a substantive plan soon towards the full-fledged operation of the airports.

The need of giving a proper outlet to the problem of air traffic at Kathmandu-based Tribhuvan International Airport was underlined.

PM Dahal viewed preparations should be made to arrange the boarding of passengers going aboard for foreign employment and other passengers in Bhairahawa and Pokhara itself.

PM also stressed the need to arrange government services, including work permits, immigration, and medical in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

Subsidies could be provided on air tickets, ground handling, and air fuel for the operation of the airports at full capacity, according to him.

The PM also asked for a subsidized package in hotel services in coordination with the private sector.