Private airlines could handle ground operations at GBIA: Minister Tamang

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang has suggested that ground handling responsibilities of Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) could be extended to private airline companies.

This statement was made by Minister Tamang at the inauguration of the Second National Tourism Conference and Photo Competition on Saturday. The event was organised by the Tourism Development Committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Bagmati Province, and Athot Nepal. 

Minister Tamang noted that Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is presently in charge of ground handling at GBIA. However, he suggested that this role could be transferred to private airline companies licensed for international flights, should they initiate regular operations from the international airport. He also mentioned that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been consulted to enable this change.

Minister Tamang expressed confidence that the initiation of ground handling services by private airline companies, through a competitive bidding process, could lead to an increase in the number of direct flights to and from GBIA.

Additionally, the Tourism Minister highlighted that the government is proactively pursuing policy reforms and fostering entrepreneurship to tackle the challenges faced by the country's tourism sector.