Flight demand rises on Bharatpur–Kathmandu route after Prithvi Highway disruption

Bharatpur, September 7, 2026 — Air travel demand between Bharatpur and Kathmandu has surged following disruptions and closures along the Prithvi Highway, prompting Buddha Air to more than double the number of flights it operates between the two cities.

Sections of the highway, including the Krishnabhir area, have been affected after road infrastructure was damaged, making travel between Kathmandu and other parts of the country more difficult.

Bhakta Bahadur Basnet, manager of Buddha Air's Bharatpur office, said the airline normally operates five daily flights between Bharatpur and Kathmandu. However, the number has now been increased to between nine and 11 flights a day in response to growing passenger demand.

Buddha Air operates ATR 72 aircraft on the route. However, due to the limited length of the runway at Bharatpur Airport, the aircraft cannot operate at its full capacity of 72 passengers.

According to Basnet, flights arriving in Bharatpur from Kathmandu carry between 65 and 70 passengers, while flights departing from Bharatpur for Kathmandu carry around 50 passengers.

Although an alternative road route between Chitwan and Kathmandu through Makwanpur remains available, an increasing number of passengers have chosen air travel, particularly amid the ongoing monsoon season.

Bharatpur Airport serves not only passengers from Chitwan but also travelers from Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung and Makwanpur.

The airline said the additional flights have helped ease travel difficulties for passengers affected by the disruption of the Prithvi Highway.