By Our Reporter
The government built the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa spending years and billions of rupees. After its construction was completed, it is now without business.
Only a limited number of international airlines are flying their aircraft to this regional airport located near Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. When India denied providing its space for planes flying to Bhairahawa, most of the international airlines are not showing interest to use the airport. Again, the passengers coming to Kathmandu have to travel for at least nine hours to arrive in Kathmandu from Bhairahawa as the East-West Road in Nawalparasi is now in a dilapidated condition.
As the Airport was unable to collect revenue enough for its sustenance, the government recently decided that all charted flights should land in Bhairahawa.
But that is not enough unless the government manages to convince India to provide its air space to the planes flying to the regional airport.
When the Bhairahawa airport is without business, the government is unable to bring the Pokhara Regional Airport into operation because of the Ritthe hill standing near the airport. As it was delayed to cut the hill, the inauguration of the airport has also been delayed.
Of course, both the regional airports built spending billions of rupees have now become just white elephants for the Nepal government.
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