-JUMLA
All the operations of Jumla airport will be shut for a period of one month. Flights services off and to the Jumla Airport will be halted for a month for the maintenance.
According to airport Chief Kailash Sharma, the decision to close the airport was taken to intensify the upgrading of airport and facilities from coming Thursday.
Sharma further shared that though it was an unpleasant decision to the passengers, they were compelled to pause the service only in order to complete upgrading and maintenance.
Kantika Sejuwal, Mayor of Chandannath Municipality noted that they have talked with the concerned authority for the extension of the runway length and enhancement of the airport. Currently, the runway length is 670 meter which accommodates Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft. But if the runway length could have been more, it would be more convenient and safer, informs pilots.
Sejuwal also stated that due to a shorter runway, there is the risk while commencing short turns for the aircraft and if it would have been little longer it would be much easier for aircraft to land and take-off.
A runway of a minimum length of 1250 meter for landing is required for 32 seated aircraft.
She further explained that she would an environment for operating medium-size aircraft would be developed within five years by extending the runway length. We have urged airport chief, Kailash Sharma to prepare template collaborating with the pilots of flying aircraft in Nepalgunj-Surkhet sector, Sejuwal added.
At present, Tara Air conducts one weekly flight to Jumla Airport from Nepalgunj every Wednesday and Nepal Airlines Corporation also operates a weekly flight on Monday from Nepalgunj. Besides, Sita Air and Summit Air operate charter flights occasionally.
The closest airports to Jumla are Juphal Airport at Dolpa, Bajura Airport at Bajura and Rukumkot Chaurjahari Airport at Rukumkot.
