Kathmandu, Sept 7: Air travel between Bharatpur and Kathmandu has surged as damage to the Prithvi Highway, including road subsidence at Krishnabhir, continues to disrupt road transportation.
With travellers unable to rely on the highway, Buddha Air has more than doubled its flights on the route. The airline, currently the only carrier operating between Bharatpur and Kathmandu, normally runs five flights a day. It has increased the number to as many as 11 flights depending on passenger demand.
Bhakta Bahadur Basnet, head of Buddha Air’s Bharatpur office, said the airline has added flights to meet the growing demand from passengers affected by the road disruption.
Buddha Air is using ATR 72 aircraft on the route. The planes can carry up to 72 passengers, but Bharatpur Airport’s relatively short runway limits the number of passengers that can be carried. Flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur carry around 65 to 70 passengers, while those flying from Bharatpur to Kathmandu carry about 50 passengers.
The highway blockage at Krishnabhir has forced travellers to consider an alternative route through Makwanpur. However, continued monsoon rainfall and uncertain road conditions have made flying a more attractive option for many passengers.
Demand has also increased as travellers from neighbouring districts are using Bharatpur Airport to reach Kathmandu. Passengers are arriving from Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung and Makwanpur, adding further pressure on available seats.
Buddha Air said it would continue adjusting the number of flights according to passenger demand while road transportation remains disrupted.
The surge in air travel highlights the growing dependence on Bharatpur Airport as a key alternative for passengers travelling to Kathmandu during the monsoon, particularly when sections of the Prithvi Highway become impassable.
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