Northeast Desk, 11th June: A team from Buddha Air recently visited Pakyong Airport to conduct a feasibility study for launching flight operations between Kathmandu and Pakyong. The visit included a presentation by the Air Traffic Controller and an airport tour led by Airport Director S.K. Singh. The three-member team from Buddha Air comprised Uday Krishna Shrestha, Om Pradhananga, and Jiwan Basnett.
Buddha Air aims to operate two daily flights: one from Kathmandu to Pakyong and another from Kathmandu to Pakyong via Guwahati. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Pakyong is estimated to be about one hour, while the flight from Pakyong to Guwahati will take approximately 35 minutes.
Reports suggest that the proposed fare for the Kathmandu to Pakyong route is expected to range between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 7,000. However, Singh has urged Buddha Air to consider reducing the fare to Rs. 5,000-6,000.
Buddha Air is confident about the passenger demand on these routes, given its successful operations from Kathmandu to Varanasi. Additionally, the airline is seeking permission for a new route from Janakpur to Ayodhya.
The tentative timing for the new flights is between 12 noon and 1:30 pm. These flights will utilize ATR 500 aircraft, which have a seating capacity of 85-90 passengers, enhancing connectivity between Kathmandu and Pakyong.
Read More: Northeastern States Receive Significant Tax Devolution Boost