Buddha Air Explores Kathmandu-Pakyong Flight Operations with Feasibility Study
Buddha Air is venturing into potential flight operations between Kathmandu and Pakyong, with a recent visit to Pakyong Airport for a comprehensive feasibility study. The exploration marks a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity in the region.
The visiting team from Buddha Air, comprising Uday Krishna Shrestha, Om Pradhananga, and Jiwan Basnett, engaged in a thorough assessment of the airport’s infrastructure and operational capabilities. The visit included a presentation by the Air Traffic Controller and an insightful tour led by Airport Director S.K. Singh.
Buddha Air envisions two daily flight services: a direct route from Kathmandu to Pakyong and another connecting Kathmandu to Pakyong via Guwahati. The proposed flight duration from Kathmandu to Pakyong is approximately one hour, while the journey from Pakyong to Guwahati is expected to take around 35 minutes.
Initial reports suggest a tentative fare range of Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for the Kathmandu-Pakyong route. However, Airport Director Singh has recommended considering a more competitive fare bracket, suggesting a range between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 6,000 to enhance accessibility for passengers.
Buddha Air expresses confidence in the potential passenger demand for these routes, drawing from its successful operations on the Kathmandu-Varanasi route. Additionally, the airline is in the process of seeking regulatory approval for a new route connecting Janakpur to Ayodhya.
The proposed flight schedule aims for operations between 12 noon and 1:30 pm, utilizing ATR 500 aircraft with a seating capacity of 85-90 passengers. The introduction of these flights promises to bolster connectivity between Kathmandu and Pakyong, offering travelers convenient and efficient air travel options.
