5th November 2024, Kathmandu
Thai Air Asia has officially resumed its flights at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, while also initiating services from Nepal’s Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa. With these developments, Thai Air Asia is expanding its commitment to connecting Nepal with Thailand and bolstering the country’s tourism and travel sector.
Expanded Flight Operations at Two Major Airports
After the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) imposed specific conditions, Thai Air Asia received the green light to operate at both TIA and GBIA.
This approval followed an incident on October 27, when a Thai Air Asia flight landed in Kathmandu without the necessary flight permit. To rectify this, CAAN mandated that the airline operate flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) alongside its TIA services.
Thai Air Asia, now the fourth international airline to operate from GBIA, completed its maiden flight from this airport on Sunday, marking a significant expansion of commercial aviation at Nepal’s second international airport.
Flight Schedule and Frequency
The airline has set a weekly schedule that allows for consistent service across both airports:
Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu):
Flights are scheduled on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa):
Flights will be available on Monday and Thursday.
This expanded schedule provides passengers with flexible travel options and reinforces the importance of GBIA as a viable international gateway for travelers to and from Nepal.
Strengthening Nepal’s Connectivity and Tourism
Thai Air Asia’s dual airport operations in Nepal are expected to strengthen the country’s connectivity with Thailand, promoting tourism and trade. The service from GBIA offers new travel opportunities for visitors, particularly those exploring the Lumbini region, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
With Thai Air Asia joining three other international airlines at GBIA, CAAN’s focus on diversifying Nepal’s aviation infrastructure is evident, marking a shift toward reducing the heavy traffic load on TIA and expanding regional connectivity.
Key Benefits of Thai Air Asia’s Operations
Enhanced Connectivity: Thai Air Asia’s flights from both TIA and GBIA improve accessibility for international passengers, easing travel to different parts of Nepal.
Boost to Tourism: The increased frequency of flights is expected to attract more tourists, especially those interested in Buddhist pilgrimage sites near GBIA.
Expanded Travel Options: Passengers now have multiple flight options and schedules, enhancing flexibility for travel between Nepal and Thailand.
Statements from TIA
Jagannath Niraula, General Manager at Tribhuvan International Airport, shared that Thai Air Asia’s reintroduction of flights at TIA, combined with its GBIA operations, showcases the airline’s commitment to Nepal’s aviation sector. Niraula emphasized the positive impact on Nepal’s tourism economy, as this expanded connectivity aligns with CAAN’s vision of spreading international air traffic across multiple airports.
Conclusion
Thai Air Asia’s resumed flights at Tribhuvan International Airport and new services at Gautam Buddha International Airport mark a significant step in Nepal’s aviation landscape. By adhering to CAAN’s conditions and committing to both TIA and GBIA operations, the airline is contributing to Nepal’s goals of increased accessibility and diversified tourism options. As more airlines are expected to follow this model, Nepal’s air connectivity is set for an encouraging period of growth.
For more: Thai Air Asia’s Dual Airport Operations