Stakeholders call for Nepalgunj–Delhi air connectivity

KATHMANDU, JUNE 8: The Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Indo-Nepal Friendship Organization, has decided to draw the attention of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister, regarding the need to upgrade infrastructure at Nepalgunj Airport to facilitate direct flights between Nepalgunj and Delhi.

The decision follows concerns over the lack of adequate physical infrastructure required to initiate the Nepalgunj–Delhi route, despite growing demand and its strategic importance.

At a meeting organised by the Nepalgunj Chamber last Friday, the local elected representatives, government officials, and stakeholders discussed a formal letter recently sent to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation requesting support for the proposed flight.

During the discussions, participants highlighted Nepalgunj’s significance as a major travel hub for the pilgrims heading to Mansarovar and emphasized the necessity of a direct Nepalgunj–Delhi connection.

Bal Kumar Singh, Acting Chief of the Civil Aviation Office in Nepalgunj, stated that the airport currently has the capacity to handle up to six international flights daily. “Our existing terminal can accommodate significant traffic, and the new terminal building—now nearing completion—will be able to serve 600 passengers, making us well-prepared for international operations,” he said.

Elected representatives from various local governments in the Banke district also pledged to jointly lobby the federal government to prioritize the Nepalgunj–Delhi flight. Former Minister and Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Krishna KC 'Namuna', along with Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista, both expressed their commitment to working alongside community members and advocacy groups to push the agenda forward.

Chief District Officer of Banke, Dharma Raj Joshi, also assured his full cooperation and support for the initiative, reaffirming that the local administration is ready to assist in any way possible.

Ashish Kumar Gupta, an international member of the Indo-Nepal Friendship Organization, noted that the Nepalgunj–Delhi flight would further strengthen cross-border family ties and boost bilateral trade between Nepal and India.

In support of the proposal, Buddha Air and Shree Airlines have already submitted a feasibility report to the government on operating the Nepalgunj–Delhi route.