Kathmandu – Members of Parliament (MPs) have called on the government to ensure the prompt and full-scale operation of both Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport, stressing the need to maximize the use of the multi-billion-rupee infrastructure projects.
During a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Friday, lawmakers expressed concern that the two international airports, built with significant public investment, have yet to achieve their intended level of operation. They urged the relevant authorities to develop and implement a clear action plan to attract more international flights and increase airport utilization.
Several committee members also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the airports’ limited operations despite their completion. They argued that understanding and addressing the obstacles is essential to ensuring the country’s investment delivers the expected economic and tourism benefits.
MPs Jagadish Kharel, Dr. Arjun Karki, Ganesh Karki, Ganesh Bahadur Bishwakarma, Taufiq Ahmed Khan, Renuka Kaucha, Ram Lama, Prashant Upreti, and Anushka Shrestha voiced their concerns over the underutilization of the airports and urged immediate corrective measures.
Committee Chairperson Sumnima Udas emphasized that the effective management and operation of both international airports are crucial for easing congestion at Nepal’s main air gateway, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. She noted that fully utilizing the new airports would not only improve air connectivity but also support tourism growth, regional development, and economic expansion.
The lawmakers’ call comes amid growing concerns that the country’s newest international airports are not being used to their full potential, despite being key national infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors.
