Assessment of probable disaster risk and mitigation strategies at Gautam Buddha international airport, Lumbini, Rupandehi, Nepal

Abstract

Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Nepal's second international gateway, situated in the seismically active and flood-prone Terai plains of Lumbini Province, faces complex natural, technical, and operational disaster risks. This study evaluates disaster vulnerabilities, their underlying causes and effects, and the prioritization of mitigation strategies using a mixed-method research design. A structured questionnaire survey (n = 135), analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII), was combined with key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Results reveal that “Financial Implications of Infrastructure Damage” (RII = 0.92), “Economic Losses from Disruption & Closure” (RII = 0.91), and “Coordination Challenges among Stakeholders” (RII = 0.89) are the most critical disaster risk concerns. Technical vulnerabilities such as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) capacity constraints (RII = 0.88) and dependence on external grid power (RII = 0.81) further exacerbate operational exposure. Primary mitigation priorities include pavement design and maintenance upgrades (RII = 0.92), ARFF equipment modernization (RII = 0.92), seismic vulnerability assessments (RII = 0.91), and strengthened weather forecasting capability (RII = 0.90). The study recommends embedding a dedicated Business Continuity Plan (BCP), establishing a multi-agency coordination mechanism under Nepal's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act 2074 (2017), and upgrading drainage infrastructure to ensure long-term aviation resilience.