Business leaders in Rupandehi are raising serious concerns. Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa stands largely idle years after opening. They say billions in tourism money hang in the balance and want the government to act quickly to unlock its potential for the entire Lumbini region.
Airport Built for Tourism Yet Falls Short
The national pride project opened in May 2022 as Nepal’s second international airport. Planners designed it to ease pressure on Kathmandu and serve as the main gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Yet regular international flights have remained inconsistent.
Periods without any international services stretched for months in 2025. Thai AirAsia resumed limited twice-weekly flights late last year. Most traffic stays domestic. Capacity exists for millions of passengers yearly, but actual numbers stay far below that mark.
Local stakeholders point to missing facilities for night operations, trained ground staff, and strong marketing as key barriers. Airlines hesitate without steady passenger flow. This leaves the modern terminal and runway underused despite heavy investment.
Massive Investments Now at Risk
Private businesses poured nearly 100 billion rupees into hotels, restaurants, and transport around Lumbini and Bhairahawa. Tourism entrepreneur Amit Gupta says these investments aimed to capitalize on the airport’s location near major Buddhist sites.
Investors feel disheartened as expected tourist numbers fail to appear.
Key destinations include Lumbini itself, Devdaha, Ramgram, Tilaurakot, and areas along the Rohini River. These spots represent important historical and religious heritage tied to Buddhist civilization. Without reliable air access, visitors struggle to reach them easily from abroad.
Lumbini welcomed about 1.11 million visitors in 2025, including over 140,000 international tourists from 106 countries. While international arrivals grew 26 percent from the prior year, many still route through Kathmandu. This adds time and cost for travelers heading to the western region.
Hotels report losses. Some operators face loan repayment troubles. The ripple effect hits restaurants, guides, drivers, and local shops that depend on tourist spending.
Local Chamber Chief Calls for Priority Action
Netra Prasad Acharya, president of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stresses the need for immediate steps. He believes a fully operational airport would transform not just tourism but the broader economy of Lumbini Province.
Acharya notes that the newly formed government must make this a top priority. He expresses hope that stable leadership will create an investment-friendly climate and push infrastructure improvements.
Madhu Prasad Panthi, president of the Nepal Customs Agents Association in Bhairahawa, highlights trade benefits too. He says regular flights would help export products from Rupandehi, an important industrial area, to global markets. Better border management paired with air links could strengthen industry overall.
Here are the main Buddhist sites the airport should serve:
- Lumbini: Birthplace of Buddha and UNESCO World Heritage site
- Devdaha: Ancient capital linked to Buddha’s mother
- Ramgram: Stupa believed to hold Buddha relics
- Tilaurakot: Site of Buddha’s childhood palace in Kapilvastu
Business groups argue that smooth airport operations would add fresh energy to both tourism and trade in the region.
New Efforts Aim to Attract More Visitors
Airport officials teamed up with private sector groups earlier this year to launch a tourist growth plan. The initiative focuses on creating attractive tour packages and promoting them in India and other South Asian countries.
Officiating general manager Shyam Kishor Sah and local chamber leaders hold regular meetings to divide responsibilities. Strategies include better marketing of Lumbini packages, engaging domestic airlines for onboard promotions, and reaching out to authorities in neighboring Indian states.
Awareness remains low in many international markets. Even some foreign tour operators lack clear information about direct access through Bhairahawa. The plan seeks to change that by building steady passenger numbers to convince more airlines to schedule regular flights.
Nepal Airlines recently designated the airport as an alternate for diverted flights from Kathmandu. This small step shows growing recognition of its role, yet stakeholders want full scheduled international services.
Broader Impact on Trade and Economy
Full operations could do more than bring pilgrims and leisure travelers. The airport sits near industrial zones and border points. Reliable cargo and passenger links would support exports and make the region more attractive for new investment.
Private sector voices remain hopeful. They see the airport as a game changer for Lumbini Province if the government provides clear policy direction, possibly including private sector management through public-private partnerships.
Challenges persist around technical capabilities and incentives for airlines. Experts say addressing these quickly could help the facility reach its potential of serving hundreds of thousands of passengers annually.
The story of Gautam Buddha International Airport reflects larger questions about how Nepal develops its regional infrastructure. Billions spent on the project and surrounding businesses created high expectations. Turning those expectations into reality now depends on coordinated action between government and private players.
Lumbini holds deep spiritual meaning for millions worldwide. Local families and entrepreneurs have staked their futures on its growth. Their call for full airport operations carries both economic urgency and cultural significance. Progress here could open new doors for the entire western region of Nepal.
