KATHMANDU, August 3: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a high-level discussion with stakeholder for the full-fledged operation of the international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

During the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers on Friday, PM Oli inquired about the current flight congestion and passenger management at Tribhuvan International Airport. He pledged to soon operate both the new international airports at full capacity.

The prime minister instructed ministers to create a conducive environment for regular international flights from the two airports. He stated that if the aviation regulatory body addresses the concerns of the international airlines interested in these airports, the government will include them in the schedule and proceed accordingly.

PM Oli emphasized the seriousness of the issue, highlighting the significant losses caused by the underutilization of the two international airports. He noted that Tribhuvan International Airport is forced to handle more flights and passengers than its capacity, a situation that could be alleviated by the smooth operation of the new international airports.

He directed the concerned officials to submit plans for the effective operation of both airports, including improvements in immigration and other facilities, and the relocation of fuel depots if they are too close to the airport. PM Oli assured that the Cabinet could help resolve these issues if they are communicated in time.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel; Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba; Minister for Labour and Employment Sharat Singh Bhandari; Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey; and other officials were present at the meeting. -- RSS