### Unraveling the Challenges at Nepal’s Underutilized Gautam Buddha International Airport
Nestled in the picturesque plains near Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, the newly inaugurated Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Nepal was envisioned as a beacon of progress and a significant boost for tourism in the region. However, the airport, which cost an estimated $216 million to construct, has not lived up to its expectations, serving only one international flight per week. This blog post delves into the factors contributing to the under-utilization of this substantial infrastructure project and the government oversights that might have played a role.
#### A Grand Vision That Has Not Taken Flight
The Gautam Buddha International Airport, which began operations in 2022, was designed to act as a secondary international gateway to Nepal, aiding congestion relief at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and promoting tourism in the western parts of the country. Despite the strategic importance and substantial investment, GBIA’s weekly flight schedule stands starkly empty, apart from a lone international flight operated by Jazeera Airways to and from Kuwait.
#### Investigating the Underperformance
A detailed investigation by a Nepali parliamentary committee has shed some light on possible reasons why GBIA has not managed to attract more airlines and travelers. The committee’s findings suggest a concerning level of negligence from both lawmakers and officials who may have turned a blind eye to the various bureaucratic and operational hurdles that plague the airport.
One of the crucial issues highlighted is the inadequate promotion and marketing of the airport’s capabilities and offerings at international forums where airlines typically make decisions about new routes. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of concerted effort to leverage the cultural and historical significance of Lumbini, a pilgrimage site for millions of Buddhists worldwide, to boost international tourist arrivals through GBIA.
#### The Role of Government and Management Failures
The investigation specifically pointed out a failure in governance as the root cause of the under-utilization. Key decisions related to operational management and strategic marketing were reportedly stifled by bureaucratic delays and a lack of proactive leadership. The result is an airport that, despite its state-of-the-art facilities, remains largely inactive, affecting not only the region’s economic prospects but also the overall return on investment of the sizable funds poured into the project.
#### Future Prospects and Needed Actions
For GBIA to realize its potential, a clear and aggressive strategy focused on both attracting airline carriers and promoting tourist traffic is essential. This might include offering incentives to airlines, engaging in targeted marketing campaigns, and collaborating with tourism stakeholders to package the region’s offerings attractively.
Furthermore, enhancing accessibility and connectivity between GBIA and major tourist destinations in Nepal could also augment passenger volumes. Such initiatives should be supported by streamlined processes and governance reforms aimed at cutting red tape and fostering a business-friendly environment.
#### Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Stakeholders
The situation at Gautam Buddha International Airport serves as a wake-up call to stakeholders involved in mega infrastructure projects in Nepal and elsewhere. It underscores the importance of not only building physical structures but also concurrently developing robust operational and promotional strategies to ensure these facilities meet their intended goals. With appropriate measures and renewed focus, GBIA could still rise to become a pivotal player in the region’s tourism and transportation sectors, fulfilling its promise as the gateway to Western Nepal.
As the Nepali government and relevant authorities take on the feedback from the parliamentary committee’s report, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether GBIA can overcome its current limitations and achieve the bustling activity it was built for.
