January 30: Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport is almost ready for flight operations. The government is planning to initiate a calibration flight on February 21 and start regular flights from the upcoming Buddha Jayanti festival.

According to the RSS, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale has stated that preparations are underway to launch the 'calibration flight' on February 21.

After inspecting the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa on Saturday afternoon, he said, "If the weather allows, there will be a calibration flight on February 21 and an international flight from Buddha Jayanti."

Technicians, however, are doubtful that the calibration flight will take place during the schedule due to poor visibility and foggy weather at that time.    

Minister Ale has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), project officials, and team members to work to this end and not to delay the calibration flight. "Under no circumstances should the work be stopped," he said.

President of the Public Accounts Committee Bharat Kumar Shah, lawmaker Pramod Yadav and other technicians were present during the inspection visit.

On the occasion, Secretary at the Ministry Maheshwor Neupane said a technical team from

Thailand’s Aero Thai would return only after performing a calibration flight at the airport. The 330 Airbus of Nepal Airlines Corporation will carry out the test flight, Neupane added.    

Bijendra Shrestha, the representative of AeroThai for Nepal, said, "If you look at the weather here in three years, you can fly in VOFR."

Calibration flight requires clear weather, and that includes at least 5 km visibility, said Shrestha. The aircraft is scheduled to land in Bhairahawa on February 21. Under no circumstances should it be later than February 21, he added.

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