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The Siddhartha Industry and Commerce Association in Rupandehi has appealed to former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba to facilitate the swift reopening of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. The association urged continuous flights from this crucial economic hub, emphasizing the adverse impacts on tourism and the overall economic conditions of the region.
During a meeting in Bhairahawa on Tuesday, the association handed over a memorandum to Deuba, citing the severe repercussions on businesses and industries due to the airport's limited operations. Thakur Kumar Shrestha, the association's president, highlighted the flight restrictions leading to the departure of local industrialists and businessmen.
The association presented a memorandum with seven points, emphasizing the need for the national flag carrier, Nepal Air Service Corporation, to resume flights immediately, not only on the Bhairahawa-Malaysia route but also on the Bhairahawa-Delhi and Bhairahawa-Qatar routes. They also called for coordination to ensure regular or chartered flights at Gautam Buddha International Airport.
Among the demands, the association urged that at least 25% of international flights departing from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu be coordinated for flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Additionally, they called for the activation of electronic devices at the airport that are currently non-operational.
The memorandum stated, "Investment in the tourism sector is felt to be unsafe as international flights from the airport are not regular. Now the bank is making arrests on various pretexts. In such a situation, support should be given, but mental anxiety is increasing due to restraint. We request you to coordinate for the environment to secure that investment."
The association emphasized that various discount services should be provided to attract both national and international airline companies for take-off and landing at Gautam Buddha International Airport. Krishna Prasad Sharma, the president of the Federation of Nepal Industry and Commerce in Lumbini Province, highlighted the private sector's challenges due to the airport's non-operational status. Former Prime Minister Deuba expressed positivity towards the businessmen's demands and pledged to take necessary initiatives for the full operation of the airport.
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