Buddha Air to Launch Flights from Kathmandu to Pakyong, Enhancing Nepal-Sikkim Connectivity
Buddha Air, a private airline in Nepal, is set to launch flights from Kathmandu to Pakyong in Sikkim, India, aiming to streamline travel between the two regions and provide easier access to tourists and businesses.
To ensure the feasibility of the new flight route, a delegation from Buddha Air, including operational head Jeevan Basnet, administrative head Uday Krishna Shrestha, and network head Om Pradhananga, recently visited Pakyong Airport. They received a briefing by the Pakyong Air Traffic Control and inspected the airport alongside director Sanjeev Kumar Singh.
To commence operations at Pakyong Airport, Buddha Air is actively seeking approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline is eager to inaugurate this new route, which promises to enhance regional connectivity.
If approved, Buddha Air plans to offer two daily flights on this route: a direct flight from Kathmandu to Pakyong, estimated to take approximately 1 hour, and a one-stop flight from Kathmandu to Pakyong via Guwahati, with a 35-minute leg from Pakyong to Guwahati.
The initial fare estimates for the Kathmandu to Pakyong route range from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000, with a proposal to reduce the fare to between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 6,000 for increased accessibility.
Flights are anticipated to be scheduled between 12:00 noon and 1:30 pm. Buddha Air plans to utilize ATR 500 aircraft, with a capacity of 85-90 passengers, for these operations.
The introduction of this route is expected to significantly improve travel convenience between Nepal and Sikkim, providing a faster and more comfortable option for tourists, making both destinations more appealing.
For businesses, particularly those in tourism and hospitality, this new route could open up new opportunities for growth and partnerships. The enhanced connectivity is likely to attract more visitors, benefiting local economies.
Buddha Air is optimistic about passenger demand for these flights, citing the success of similar routes they operate, such as Kathmandu to Varanasi, and their plans to launch flights from Janakpur to Ayodhya.
Travelers and tourism businesses are advised to monitor announcements from Buddha Air and official travel advisories for the latest updates on this new route, which is poised to be a game-changer for both Nepal and Sikkim, promising significant benefits for travelers and local economies alike.