Direct flights to connect Lumbini and Myanmar in May

Kathmandu: Nepal government has pronounced that the birthplace of Lord Buddha -Lumbini and Myanmar will be connected via direct flights in May.

Direct flights between Lumbini and Myanmar will garner the tourism of both the countries and will also boost up the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.

Lumbini-a major Buddhist pilgrimage site is venerated by all Buddhists from around the globe. Nepali ambassador to Myanmar Bhim K. Udas said that by the time of May 2020, the much-awaited Gautam Buddha International Airport will be completed and operated which will pave the way for direct airway connection between Myanmar and Lumbini. May is also the time for the celebration of Lord Buddha’s birthday.

Gautam Buddha Airport has been serving domestic flights since 1958 and its upgrading for an international airport began in 2015. Once it comes into operation, it will be the second international airport in Nepal.

Myanmar Vice Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Tin Latt said that only charter flights carrying Myanmar Buddhist pilgrim groups will make the initial direct flights to Lumbini.

The number of Buddhist pilgrims are expected to increase after the new flight operations between Lumbini and Myanmar begin. As many as 500,000 to 600,000 Buddhist pilgrims from Myanmar had visited Lumbini via India in 2019. Presently, travelers traveling to Nepal or Myanmar have to transit in Bangkok, Thailand, Kolkata or New Delhi.