KTM-Bharatpur air travel surges as highway remains blocked
Summary
Air travel between Bharatpur and Kathmandu has surged after landslides and road subsidence blocked sections of the Prithvi Highway. Buddha Air has more than doubled its daily flights on the route to meet rising passenger demand.
Key Points
- Passenger demand on the Bharatpur-Kathmandu route has jumped after parts of the Prithvi Highway were damaged and blocked by road subsidence.
- Buddha Air has increased flights from five a day to as many as 11, depending on demand.
- The airline is operating ATR 72 aircraft, though Bharatpur Airport’s short runway limits full-capacity operations.
- Travellers from nearby districts including Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung and Makwanpur are using Bharatpur Airport more frequently.
