February 6: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, said the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) would launch its flight from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA).

Following his inspection of  the airport on Sunday, the Minister Kirati pledged to take initiations to begin flights to and from the airport at the earliest.

Talking to mediapersons at the airport, the Minister said he would inquire possible reason(s) why the national flag carrier was yet to reach the airport for its services. Kirati assured that NAC would launch its services targeting the airport soon. “I will  do everything possible to bring other airlines to the GBIA as well,” added Kirati.

The minister informed that efforts were also made for the operation of Colombo-Bhairahawa-Colombo flight during the foreign minister Bimala Rai Paudyal’s Sri Lanka visit. Kirati said that the government would address diplomatic and technical issues for the operation of the airport and provide all necessary support towards that end.

Jazeera Airway and Himalaya Airlines which were providing regular flights to and from the airport suspended services in December, 2022 citing adverse atmospheric conditions.