KATHMANDU: Wizz Air, a budget airline headquartered in the UAE, has proposed initiating flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Bhairahawa to Abu Dhabi at a fare of approximately Rs 13,000 (about $100 USD) per one-way trip. The airline expressed its interest in establishing regular services on this route contingent upon receiving discounts on takeoff costs from the Government of Nepal.

The proposal, submitted through its General Sales Agents (GSA) Society International Travel, was addressed to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Despite the inherent commercial risks associated with launching flights from a newly established airport without established international traffic records, Wizz Air remains committed to proceeding with flight operations. The airline has outlined a specific entrepreneurial business model and set conditions that need to be met before commencing regular flights.

In addition to seeking facilitation in flight operations, Wizz Air, along with other air service providers, has requested several facilities from the government. These include a three-year VAT exemption of up to 13% on air tickets, as well as exemptions on landing, parking, and navigation fees at GBIA for the same duration. They have also requested fuel subsidies applicable to aviation fuel used at GBIA and a three-year exemption from the Rs 3,000 fee collected per passenger by CAAN for Bhairahawa. Furthermore, they seek a 5% revenue rebate on ticket sales at both Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports for up to three years.