Kolkata, April 19 (Inditop.com) Nepali private airline Buddha Air is planning to operate flights from Kathmandu to Kolkata, Patna and Lucknow from August, the company said here Monday.

The airline has been allowed by the government of Nepal to operate international flights to India under the revised air service agreement between the two countries.

“Buddha Air plans to commence the air service from August 1, 2010, and is in the process of getting regulatory approvals from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and airport space from AAI (Airports Authority of India),” a company statement said.

At present, people from Patna or Lucknow either have to take the road route or go to Kolkata or Delhi to catch a flight to Kathmandu.

The air connectivity would not only provide another facility to passengers but also boost business in the region, it said.

The airline operates four Beechcraft 1900D and 3 ATR 42/320 (48 Seater) connecting Kathmandu with 11 destinations in Nepal.