Domestic air traffic surges as Prithvi Highway stalls
Summary
Domestic airlines are seeing nearly 50 percent more passengers after the Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway collapsed in floodwaters from the Trishuli River. Carriers have added flights and cut fares to meet demand, but rising aviation fuel costs are still expected to keep the industry in the red.
Key Points
- Air travel demand has jumped to about 15,000 passengers after the Prithvi Highway was blocked by flood damage at Krishnabhir.
- Travelers from districts including Kaski, Syangja, Chitwan, Rupandehi, Gulmi, Palpa and Arghakhanchi are shifting from road to air routes.
- Buddha Air says occupancy on some Kathmandu routes has reached 90 percent, while airlines have increased flight frequencies by up to 60 percent.
- Despite higher passenger numbers, airlines expect monthly losses of around Rs 600 million because of expensive aviation fuel and lower fares.
