KATHMANDU: Air travel demand between Bharatpur and Kathmandu has surged following the closure of the Prithvi Highway, where sections including Krishnabhir have collapsed. In response to the increased passenger volume, Buddha Air has more than doubled its flight operations from Bharatpur.
Bhakta Bahadur Basnet, manager of the Buddha Air Bharatpur office, stated that while the airline typically operates five daily flights between the two cities, the number has been increased to between nine and 11 flights per day due to the road disruption.
The airline uses ATR 72 aircraft for this route. Due to the limited length of the runway in Bharatpur, the aircraft cannot operate at its full 72-passenger capacity. Instead, it carries 65 to 70 passengers when arriving from Kathmandu and 50 passengers when departing for the capital.
Although an alternative route from Chitwan to Kathmandu via Makwanpur is available, passengers are increasingly opting for air travel, particularly due to the ongoing monsoon season. Basnet noted that the airport serves passengers not only from Chitwan but also from Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung, and Makwanpur. The airline stated that increasing the flight frequency has helped ease travel difficulties for passengers affected by the highway closure.
