KATHMANDU, Sept 7: Passenger demand on flights between Bharatpur and Kathmandu has surged after sections of the Prithvi Highway, including Krishnabhir, were damaged and blocked by road subsidence. With road travel disrupted, airlines have more than doubled the number of flights operating from Bharatpur.
Buddha Air is currently the only airline operating flights between Bharatpur and Kathmandu. According to Bhakta Bahadur Basnet, head of Buddha Air’s Bharatpur office, the airline normally operates five flights a day on the route. As road conditions deteriorated, the number was increased to as many as 11 flights a day, depending on demand.
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The airline is operating ATR 72 aircraft on the route. The planes carry around 65 to 70 passengers when flying from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and about 50 passengers from Bharatpur to Kathmandu. Although the aircraft has a capacity of 72 passengers, the relatively short runway at Bharatpur Airport prevents it from operating at full capacity.
With the highway blocked at Krishnabhir, travellers can take an alternative route through Makwanpur to reach Kathmandu. However, ongoing monsoon conditions have made air travel a preferred option for many passengers, Basnet said.
Passengers are also arriving at Bharatpur Airport from neighbouring districts, including Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung and Makwanpur, further increasing demand for flights.
Buddha Air said it has increased the number of flights to make travel easier for passengers affected by the road disruptions.
