KATHMANDU: The government has announced a series of concessions for Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport to help them operate at full capacity.
These measures include waiving ground handling fees, ticket-related charges, and VAT on air tickets.
A meeting led by Prime Minister KP Oli, along with ministers and relevant officials, was convened based on recommendations from a task force tasked with exploring options to optimize the operations of these two airports.
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said that an action plan has been developed to offer concessions on air tickets, ground handling fees, and aviation fuel until September 2026.
The aim is to ensure both international airports operate at their full potential.
Minister Pandey explained that the government plans to suspend service fees for ground handling and ticket fees imposed by the tourism board until September 2026.
Additionally, VAT on air tickets will not be collected during this period.
For fuel, a plan is in place to procure it at a lower cost in Bhairahawa compared to Kathmandu airport prices.
The Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee the operation of the Immigration Office and the Visa Center.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will manage quarantine checks at the airport, as outlined in the action plan submitted to the Council of Ministers.
The decision to provide these concessions follows demands from airlines for various measures to support airport operations.
The government has agreed to these demands, including the waiver of certain fees and VAT, and the procurement of cheaper fuel for Bhairahawa airport.
Both airports are considered projects of national pride and strategic importance, and the state has invested significantly in their development.
The coordinated efforts of all government agencies are aimed at resolving issues and enabling the airports to function at full capacity.
