4 years ago
Nepal Airlines is to be given the responsibility of Ground Handeling of the under-construction Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Nepal Airlines that has been conducting Ground Handling of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is being given additional responsibility without any competitive bidding.
As the construction nears completion, the Aviation Authority decided to give that responsibility to Nepal Airlines.
Aviation Authority has decided to operate the airport itself after backtracking from discussions to allow a foreign company to operate that airport. Therefore the ground handling responsibility was given to the state owned Nepal Airlines.
Director of Civil Aviation Authority, Rajan Pokhrel said that agreements had been reached and certain paperworks were only remaining.
A German company had shown interest but had backtracked after the government refused the proposal.
Nepal Airlines has been making good earnings from Ground Handling of Tribhuvan International airport although its income from flights is not praiseworthy.
Although voices were raised to choose a company from open competition, the Authority decided to give the responsibility assuming that it wouldn’t create any debate.
The physical construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport has been completed and only the finishing is left. It is expected to come into operation from Chaitra 2077 although the government has already declared to start operations within Poush 2077.
Equipment works are still remaining at the airport. It takes three months for that. Operation of the airport after being handed to the Authority will take at least six more months.
