Butwal: Qatar Airways has suspended its regular flights from Bhairahawa's Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Since November 13, Qatar Airways had been operating daily commercial flights on the Doha–Bhairahawa–Kathmandu–Doha route using a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. However, as of Sunday, the airline has not sought permission for new flights, according to Gautam Buddha Airport's information officer, Binod Kumar Rawat. He stated, "They had sought approval until November 30. What comes next is uncertain."

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had sent a follow-up email urging Qatar Airways to submit a proposal for flights beyond November 30. However, the airline has yet to respond or submit a request for further approvals.

During its operation from Bhairahawa, Qatar Airways conducted 38 flights, according to the Gautam Buddha International Airport Office.

Local tourism entrepreneurs have called for regular operations to sustain the airport’s activity. Currently, Nepal Airlines, Jazeera Airways, Fly Dubai, and Thai Air Asia operate regular flights from Bhairahawa. Former President of NATTA Lumbini Province, Sagar Adhikari, expressed disappointment over Qatar Airways' decision, stating it has left local businesses disheartened once again.