KATHMANDU, JUNE 20
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel has said that the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa will be brought into regular operation soon, with the government actively working to resolve existing challenges.
Speaking at an event organised by Tranquility Spa in Bhairahawa on Friday, Minister Paudel said necessary groundwork was underway to ensure full operation of the airport.
He dismissed claims that the airport remained non-operational due to political or diplomatic reasons, stating instead that certain policy-level shortcomings were the main obstacle, which are now being corrected.
The minister also highlighted reforms in labour migration services, stating that workers can now obtain labour permits from home without travelling to Kathmandu.
He stressed the need for broader promotional efforts to attract tourists rather than focusing only on sending Nepali workers abroad and bringing them back.
Paudel also said that the proposed Nijgadh International Airport should be developed in the future as part of long-term aviation expansion plans.