Feb 13, 2025

Govt ought to clarify that Pokhara International Airport is not a BRI project: Basnet, executive chairman of Buddha Air

Govt ought to clarify that Pokhara International Airport is not a BRI project: Basnet, executive chairman of Buddha Air

KATHMANDU, Dec 28:Birendra Bahadur Basnet, executive chairman of Buddha Air, a major private sector airline, has stated that India will allow flights if the government can say that "Pokhara International Airport is not a project under BRI."

Basnet, Buddha Air's executive chairman, made the claim during a discussion on 'Aviation Meet 2024: Civil Aviation and Economy' conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Friday.

He argues that India did not allow flights because Pokhara International Airport was established under a BRI project with China.

The main reason for Pokhara International Airport's non-operation has been attributed to the BRI project. The Nepalese government must explain whether it is BRI or not. India would argue that it did not grant clearance due to BRI,' he said.

He stated that, while the government has permitted flights from Pokhara to Banaras, the Indian government has yet to approve them. He stated that if India lets it, it is ready to fly even with 3,800 visibility.

Comments