The process of directly connecting Karnali region with Capital city, Kathmandu through air service has been initiated.
The state government has started managing essential infrastructure after the airlines companies agreed to operate the direct flights from Kathmandu to Surkhet. As per the information, the state government has begun to look for suitable alternative airports for operating big aircraft.
Buddha Air is preparing direct flights to Surkhet Airport from Kathmandu beginning from 14 April 2018 (1 Baisakh 2075). As per the information, the airline will be conducting daily Kathmandu-Surkhet-Kathmandu flights. Whereas, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) Managing Director Mr. Sugat Ratna Kansakar stated to commence direct flight to the airport from April 04, 2018 (Chaitra 21, 2074) however, official confirmation and schedule is yet to be disclosed.
Currently, 18-seater aircraft has been operating flights due to narrow space at Surkhet Airport located at Birendranagar as the length of runway is 1255m.
According to Mr. Nanda Singh Budda, Minister of forest, environment and tourism, there is no possibility of operating flights with bigger aircraft in other Karnali areas. So, Surkhet is feasible for handling bigger aircraft and we are trying to look for alternatives, he added.
Tourism Minister stated that the two days flight in a week is a mandatory which will increase air passengers and air service will be effective in Surkhet. He said that the government will be taking action against airlines companies if they neglect the instructions.
