4 airports of Terai Region which currently operates domestic flights are planned to be upgraded to regional level airport. The project has been included for upcoming budget and will be commenced from next fiscal year, stated Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
According to CAAN, airports of Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Dhangadi and Janakpur will undergo up-gradation process to make it regional airport from coming fiscal year (Shrawan). Currently Biratnagar has all required infrastructure and after adding some administrative and other infrastructure, it will be able to operate as regional airport within a year. The airport contains all lighting and other technical equipment but lacks terminal buildings, security personal, custom office which is expected to complete within 6 months to 1 year time frame.
Nepalgunj airport is also expected to complete remuneration in 1 year and private airline of the country, Buddha Air has already announced to make regional flight to India from the airport. However, other 2 airports at Janakpur and Dhangadi is expected to take more than a year to complete reconstruction and after completion, all 4 airports are expected to operate to airports of India and Bangladesh.
CAAN has already started to make plans to collect the financial sources for the enhancement of airport. But the problem of air route is still intact as India has only allowed aircraft to enter from Simara only whereas two airports in west Nepalgunj and Janakpur will require Mahandrenagar as 2 way air route.
Although India has already showed positive response to let Mahendranagar for air route, technical study is left to be done. A meeting with representative of both country is expected to be held within 1 month and Nepal is expecting positive response from the meeting.
