NATTA Lumbini Province urges airlines to base narrow-body aircraft at GBIA

KATHMANDU: Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Lumbini Province has urged airlines to establish a base for narrow-body aircraft at Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa.

According to NATTA, the sustainability of the Bhairahawa base for narrow-body aircraft depends on operating flights to China, other Buddhist-majority countries, and Gulf countries, which are key destinations for migrant workers.

In a press statement issued today, jointly signed by NATTA Lumbini Province President Chandra Bahadur Thapa and Secretary General Sita Basyal, the association called on the government to formulate a more effective plan for the operation of GBIA. They further requested that each domestic airline company schedule at least one daily flight to ensure inter-province air connectivity, supported by a package of incentives.

Additionally, NATTA has advocated for a passenger-friendly policy, proposing the provision of bus and hotel facilities for international air passengers. The statement also highlighted that a list of tourism programmes for the year has been established through a planning workshop and fellowship programme. Various thematic committees have been formed with the participation of 50 travel entrepreneurs through these initiatives.

Lumbini Province Tourism Council member Madhav Nepal was the chief guest at the event.

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