Bhairahwa, Feb. 8 -- A tourist growth plan has been introduced to ensure regular international flights at the underperforming Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, the gateway to the birthplace of the Buddha.

The airport administration, in coordination with the local private sector, has rolled out the plan with the objective of increasing foreign tourist arrivals to Nepal. Despite the launch of several international flights during nearly four years of operation, services from Bhairahawa have remained irregular due to a persistent shortage of passengers.

In response, airport management has intensified efforts to attract tourists, arguing that sustained growth in visitor numbers is the only way to secure regular international...